Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has issued a stern warning to Nigerians and other Africans against joining the Russian military to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine, urging them not to become mercenaries in a conflict that is not theirs.
The former lawmaker made the appeal on Thursday through a post on X, stressing that while Russia played a significant role in supporting African liberation movements during the struggle for independence, Ukraine was also part of the former Soviet Union.
His remarks come amid reports that some foreign nationals have been recruited into the Russian military since the war with Ukraine escalated.
Sani: Don’t Fight Another Nation’s War
According to Sani, Africans should avoid being drawn into the conflict for financial or other incentives, warning that doing so could expose them to grave danger.
“Nigerians and other Africans should desist from going to Russia to enlist in the Army for them to fight against Ukraine,” he wrote.
He reminded Nigerians that both Russia and Ukraine once belonged to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) before its dissolution in 1991.
“It’s a historical fact that Russia supported Africa during our independence struggle, but Ukraine was also part of that USSR. Don’t allow yourself to be mercenaries.”
Background to the Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict dates back to 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea following political unrest in Ukraine. The crisis escalated dramatically on February 24, 2022, after Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
Since then, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people, and drawn international condemnation, sanctions, and military support for Ukraine from Western nations.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Recruitment
Sani’s warning comes amid growing concerns over reports that individuals from several African countries have been approached or recruited to participate in the conflict.
Security analysts have repeatedly cautioned that joining foreign armed forces without proper legal authorization could expose recruits to prosecution, exploitation, injury, or death.
As the war continues with no immediate end in sight, Sani urged Nigerians to stay away from the battlefield and avoid becoming casualties in a conflict beyond Africa’s borders.
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