Shehu Sani Warns Nigerians Against Joining Russian Army to Fight Ukraine

Shehu Sani, former Kaduna Central senator, took to X on July 2, 2026 to warn Nigerians and other Africans against enlisting in the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. He urged Africans not to allow themselves to be used as mercenaries, reminding them that while Russia supported Africa’s independence struggle, Ukraine was also part of the former USSR.

This warning matters because recruitment offers for foreign militaries can appear lucrative but expose individuals to legal risks, exploitation, and involvement in a foreign conflict. Nigeria’s law prohibits citizens from serving in foreign armies without government approval, and joining such forces could lead to prosecution. Additionally, both Russia and Ukraine were part of the Soviet Union, underscoring the complex historical ties that do not justify taking sides in the current war.

He advises Nigerians to disregard any recruitment pitches, verify offers through official Nigerian authorities, and report suspicious approaches to security agencies. Would you report a foreign military recruitment offer to Nigerian authorities, knowing the potential legal and personal dangers?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/02/ukraine-war-dont-join-russian-army-shehu-sani-to-nigerians/