Title: Nigerian Trapped in Russia Alleges Coercive Military Recruitment, Appeals for Repatriation Date Published: 13 February 2026 Description: A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has issued a distress appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, alleging that he was deceived into travelling to Russia for a civilian job and subsequently forced into military service.According to a formal petition submitted by his legal representatives, Adamu travelled to Moscow on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja, having been promised employment as a civilian security guard. On arrival, however, his passport and other travel documents were allegedly confiscated, after which he was compelled to sign enlistment documents written entirely in Russian, without interpretation or legal guidance.The lawyers contend that Adamu only later discovered that the documents effectively enlisted him into the Russian Armed Forces. They cited the legal doctrine of Non Est Factum, arguing that he did not understand the nature or consequences of what he signed, as well as fundamental misrepresentation, maintaining that he was fraudulently induced into military service.The petition further alleges violations of international law, including forced conscription, unlawful deprivation of liberty and coercion. Adamu is said to be currently confined in a Russian military camp, where he has refused deployment to combat zones in Ukraine, while pleading for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure his release and safe return to Nigeria.The case comes amid wider reports of African nationals being recruited into the Russian military under deceptive circumstances. A recent investigation by CNN reported that citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other African countries were allegedly lured with promises of lucrative salaries, signing bonuses and fast-tracked citizenship, only to be conscripted upon arrival and deployed with minimal training.Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries were believed to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many reportedly held in Ukrainian detention camps as prisoners of war. Similarly, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has stated that over 200 Kenyans may have been deceived by online recruitment syndicates advertising fake overseas jobs.While the exact number of Nigerian casualties remains unknown, Russia has not officially confirmed whether any Nigerians have died in the conflict.Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the alleged recruitment was state-sponsored. He maintained that there was no Russian government programme aimed at recruiting Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, adding that any individuals or groups involved in such acts were operating illegally and without state backing. He said Russian authorities would investigate any verified complaints brought to their attention.Security analyst Zagazola, however, warned that Adamu’s ordeal highlights the growing risks faced by Nigerians seeking employment abroad, stressing the need for stronger government oversight, proactive diplomatic engagement and increased public awareness to prevent exploitation.Adamu’s legal team has formally demanded that Russian authorities immediately halt any military deployment involving him, return his confiscated travel documents and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, families and civil society organisations are urging swift diplomatic action, warning that without decisive intervention, more Nigerians could fall victim to what they describe as a widening transnational human rights and labour exploitation crisis. Attached Images: 5848e220ef7420cf2b66f619203cf3051abb0501a6559ebd1bf649bd512ba519.jpg Attached Video: None