The Federal Government has issued a warning to Nigerians against illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts, stating that individuals and syndicates involved in such recruitment may be prosecuted under Nigerian law.

The government emphasised the legal and security risks associated with joining foreign conflicts, the report said.

The warning was contained in a statement by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Nuhu Ribadu (retd.), issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by Dr Tunji Oladejo, Director of Information at the NSA’s office.

The government said it has credible intelligence reports indicating that some Nigerians are being targeted for illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts.

It warned that such activities are criminal and punishable under the 1990 Immigration Act and the 2015 Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, which proscribe involvement in unauthorised armed groups outside Nigeria.

The statement said that recruiters often use social media platforms, messaging apps and recruitment websites to lure potential recruits with misleading information about employment and financial gains.

The government said some of these platforms are controlled or accessed by transnational extremist organisations, although specific groups were not named in the statement.

The NSA’s office cited provisions of the 1990 Immigration Act and the 2015 Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act that make it an offence for any Nigerian to join an unauthorised armed group outside Nigeria.

It said penalties under these laws include imprisonment and fines, although the statement did not specify the exact sanctions.

The government said it has directed security agencies to collaborate in investigations and enforcement actions against individuals and networks involved in illegal recruitment.

It said agencies are also working to monitor and disrupt deceptive online recruitment schemes, and to sensitise the public about the dangers and legal implications of such recruitment.

In the statement, the NSA’s office urged parents, guardians and community leaders to educate young Nigerians about the risks of illegal recruitment and to report any suspicious recruitment activities to authorities.

The government also advised citizens to verify official job offers and recruitment notices with relevant government agencies before taking any action