How a Nigerian Mechanic Left Abuja for a Job - and Ended Up in a Russian Military Camp | WATCH VIDEO
Afnews Editor
Jan 31, 2026
A Nigerian mechanic's journey abroad took a shocking turn after accepting a foreign job offer. WHY this happened raises serious concerns Nigerians must read. Click to see full details & watch video inside
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... Inside the Growing Pattern of Africans Lured Overseas Under Dubious Work Offers
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A disturbing account has emerged of a Nigerian auto mechanic who allegedly travelled to Russia in search of greener pastures, only to discover he had been misled into a military-related environment under unclear circumstances.
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The 36-year-old Nigerian, identified as Bankole Matthew, said he accepted what he believed was a legitimate job offer after being approached by an acquaintance. According to his account, the contract sent to him was written entirely in Russian, with instructions only to insert his name before processing his travel documents.
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Matthew explained that his decision was driven by economic hardship and the promise of a high-paying job that would allow him to support his family and establish a business back home. However, shortly after arriving in Moscow, he reportedly became uneasy after noticing a heavy military presence around him.
In a video that has since gained wide circulation online, the Nigerian mechanic claimed that once he entered the facility, leaving became nearly impossible. He alleged that his situation reflected a broader and troubling trend involving Africans being recruited abroad under questionable arrangements.
International observers and foreign officials have raised repeated concerns over reports of African nationals being drawn into military-linked roles or labour under deceptive terms. Separate investigations have also highlighted allegations of exploitative foreign work programmes targeting young Africans, raising fresh questions about cross-border labour practices and the vulnerability of job seekers facing economic pressure.
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The development has sparked renewed calls for stricter scrutiny of overseas job offers, increased public awareness, and stronger government action to protect Nigerians seeking employment abroad.
As reactions continue to trail the revelation, human rights advocates insist that the case underscores the dangers many Africans face when desperation meets unverified foreign opportunities.
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— Afnews Editor