he Russian Embassy in Nigeria has vehemently denied claims that it is coercing African students, particularly Nigerians, to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine in exchange for visa extensions.
The embassy labelled the reports as "fake news" and "entirely unfounded," emphasizing the potential damage such misinformation could inflict on the educational cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
According to Bloomberg's report, Russia allegedly sought to enlist thousands of migrants and foreign students to reinforce its troops in the war against Ukraine, adopting tactics similar to those employed by the Wagner mercenary group.
European officials reportedly assessed this situation, claiming that the Kremlin was threatening not to extend visas for African students and young workers unless they agreed to join the military.
However, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria refuted these claims, stating that no association of Nigerian students in Russia has confirmed the allegations. The embassy emphasized that Nigerian students face no difficulties in extending their visas while pursuing their studies in Russia.
The embassy commended the efforts of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for debunking the false claims and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
The embassy welcomed the official press release of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter and expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for their efforts in debunking the fake news aimed at undermining the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
