From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Russian government has refuted reports that Nigerian youths, especially young women, are being recruited in military drone factories under the pretext of scholarship schemes.
Reports had alleged that Nigerian students, recruited under a vocational scholarship programme, were being engaged in military drone assembly at the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Alabuga, Tatarstan, for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Reacting in a statement, Russia described the report as a false “Western-sponsored smear campaign” rooted in a “colonial narrative”.
It explained that “the Special Economic Zone Alabuga was created in 2006 and remains one of the most efficient development zones in Russia.”
Dismissing the reports as being rooted in a “colonial narrative”, Russia reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and dignity of other nations, particularly African states.
It said, “Some publications have alleged that Nigerians were lured with promises of education and high-paying jobs, only to end up working under exploitative conditions. These claims are entirely unfounded.
“We support Africa and other countries in the fight against terrorism and the remnants of colonialism. Accusations that we exploit foreign students for military production are politically motivated and lack credible evidence.”
