The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on the Embassy of Russia in Nigeria to address allegations that some Nigerians were coerced into military service under misleading employment arrangements.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the organisation said the Russian authorities owe Nigerians and the international community a clear explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the claims.
The call follows reports that some Nigerian nationals who travelled to Russia in search of job opportunities were allegedly misled into signing documents that led to their deployment to military facilities.
One of the affected individuals, identified as Mr. Balogun, reportedly travelled on a tourist visa in pursuit of engineering work but was instead taken to a military base shortly after arrival.
“The day we were signing the contract, I didn’t understand the language. They didn’t allow us to use our phones to translate, so we signed our contracts. I told them already about my job. Maybe they were going to put me in my field. I didn’t know they would use me,” Balogun stated.
Hamzat described the alleged development as a serious breach of human rights and international norms, warning that it raises significant diplomatic and legal concerns.
The group also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen safeguards for citizens seeking employment abroad, noting that economic migration should not expose Nigerians to exploitation or involuntary involvement in armed conflicts.
PeacePro added that the situation requires urgent diplomatic engagement, a transparent investigation, and stronger protection mechanisms to prevent further harm to Nigerians overseas.
