The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has dismissed reports alleging that Nigerians are being recruited to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Podyelyshev described the information as misleading and unconnected to the Russian government.
“If some illegal individuals are trying to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, this is not connected with the Russian state,” he said.
He said there is no official programme involving Nigerian citizens in the conflict and noted that any such recruitment efforts would be illegal.
The ambassador added that Moscow would forward any credible information to Russian law enforcement authorities for investigation.
Podyelyshev explained that official military engagement between Russia and Nigeria is governed strictly by bilateral agreements, particularly in the area of military-technical cooperation.
This cooperation, he said, includes training programmes and potential equipment supply, but does not extend to participation in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He reaffirmed that all defence collaboration between both countries operates within formal diplomatic and legal frameworks.
Nigeria Key to Russia’s Africa Strategy
Describing Nigeria as one of Russia’s most important partners in Africa, the ambassador said relations with Abuja significantly shape Moscow’s broader engagement in West Africa.
His remarks were delivered during a diplomatic briefing titled “Russia in a Multipolar World Order: African Perspective,” held to mark Russia’s Diplomatic Service Day.
Podyelyshev reiterated Russia’s support for a multipolar global order based on international law, sovereign equality and non-interference.
He also called for reforms of global institutions, including expanded African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Highlighting growing cooperation between both nations, he cited partnerships in defence, education, energy, healthcare and security.
He also referenced plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria, alongside expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in Russia.
The clarification comes in the heels of recent media reports have alleged that Nigerians and other Africans are being recruited to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
News that four Nigerians — Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka, and Balogun Ridwan Adisa — were killed while allegedly fighting for Russia circulated in Nigeria’s media space.
These deaths fueled speculation about clandestine recruitment networks, though Nigerian authorities have not confirmed the claims.
Russia maintains that its cooperation with Nigeria is limited to military, educational, and economic ties, not recruitment.
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