AGS NEWS – The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied claims that Nigerian students are being conscripted to fight with Russian troops in Ukraine in exchange for visa renewals.

This follows a report by Bloomberg, which alleged that Russia is refusing to extend visas for African students and young workers unless they join its military.

The Russian Embassy dismissed the report as fake news, stating on June 12, 2024, that it aims to undermine the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.

The embassy assured that Nigerian students in Russia face no difficulties in extending their visas and no students have confirmed the allegations.

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The embassy’s statement highlighted that misleading reports harm Russian-Nigerian educational cooperation, affecting scholarship and grant applicants.

It also appreciated the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for debunking the false news.

Similarly, the Nigerian government has labeled the report as “false and misleading.”

On June 11, 2024, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe confirmed there have been no cases of Nigerian or other African students being enlisted to join the war.

The ministry urged media outlets to verify information before publication.