Russia Denies Recruiting Nigerians for Military Drone Factories Amid Allegations

Recent reports allege that Nigerian youths, including young women, have been recruited under scholarship schemes to work in Russian military drone factories at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which has shifted focus to drone production for Russia's conflict in Ukraine. These workers reportedly faced exploitative conditions such as long hours, poor treatment, and unpaid wages, leading to criticism and calls within Nigeria for investigations into the recruitment process and government oversight. The Nigerian government has distanced itself from the scheme, denying any facilitation or approval of such recruitment. Russia has strongly denied these allegations, labeling them as false, politically motivated, and part of a 'Western-sponsored smear campaign,' asserting respect for the sovereignty and dignity of African nations and denying any exploitation of foreign students. Despite Russian denials, independent investigations by various organizations have reported contradictory accounts of the situation, fueling ongoing controversy. Additionally, Ukraine's ambassador to Nigeria highlighted that drone production sites like Alabuga are considered legitimate military targets in the conflict.