British government freezes assets and bans travel of Polina Azarnykh over alleged human trafficking network targeting Nigerians, others

The United Kingdom has sanctioned a Russian national, Polina Azarnykh, for allegedly running a recruitment network that targeted young men from Nigeria and other countries to fight for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The sanctions, which include an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification order, were announced on 5 May under the Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions Regulations 2025.

According to British authorities, Azarnykh was accused of facilitating the movement of foreign nationals from countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Syria, and Yemen into Russia before deploying them to the frontlines in Ukraine. The UK government said her actions were backed by Russian authorities and described the network as a form of human trafficking aimed at destabilising Ukraine through the use of foreign fighters.

A BBC investigation published in January exposed how Azarnykh allegedly used a Telegram channel with over 21,000 subscribers to lure vulnerable individuals from Nigeria and several African and Middle Eastern countries. The investigation revealed that more than 500 invitation letters were reportedly issued by her to foreign nationals, mainly from Syria, Egypt and Yemen. These letters enabled recruits to enter Russia with promises of employment opportunities, Russian citizenship and high salaries—offers that many later discovered were false after they found themselves deployed on the battlefield.

Some recruits told investigators they were not informed they would be sent into combat zones or that withdrawal after signing military contracts was impossible. Several individuals interviewed claimed intimidation tactics were used against those who questioned their deployment—allegations which Azarnykh has denied. One Syrian recruit named Omar described his experience after arriving in Moscow: “We were tricked… this woman is a con artist and a liar,” he said. He recounted being promised $2,500 monthly salary and a $5,000 signing bonus but instead faced grim conditions on the battlefield.

The BBC also spoke with relatives of men reported missing or killed after joining Russia’s military through this network. In one case, an Egyptian man explained how his brother was recruited while studying in Russia due to financial hardship but was unexpectedly sent to fight in Ukraine. Further reports indicated that Azarnykh previously managed a Facebook page offering help to Arab students seeking admission into Russian universities before expanding her activities via Telegram.

Human rights groups estimate that since 2022, Russia has recruited approximately 27,000 foreign nationals from around 130 countries for its war effort against Ukraine—with some allegedly deceived or coerced into service. The UK government stated that these latest sanctions are part of wider efforts to disrupt human trafficking operations linked to conflict zones.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/uk-sanctions-russian-woman-accused-of-recruiting-nigerians-others-to-fight-for-russia-in-ukraine-war-2026061809271516195

Justice Blessing Obin Egwu says conviction should serve as warning; Rights group commends security agencies’ support

A Family Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced Mr Endurance Ime Sandy, aged 41, to life imprisonment for the rape of an 11-year-old girl. The judgement was delivered on Wednesday after months of trial, with Justice Blessing Obin Egwu stating that evidence proved the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

According to proceedings, the case unfolded after the minor reported the assault, leading to a thorough investigation by security agencies and prosecution by state authorities. The court found Sandy guilty on all counts and emphasised that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who violate minors. The trial was held in accordance with the Child Rights Act and relevant state laws on sexual offences.

Cases of child sexual abuse have continued to generate concern in Nigeria, with stakeholders demanding stricter enforcement and stiffer penalties for offenders. Rights advocates argue that convictions such as this reflect growing efforts by judicial officers and law enforcement to protect vulnerable children and send strong messages against impunity.

Speaking after the verdict, Justice Blessing Obin Egwu noted that “the convict deserved no mercy,” stressing the need for society to prioritise child safety. Meanwhile, Barrister James Ibor, principal partner at Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, expressed appreciation to the 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army Calabar, Cross River State Police Command, and Attorney General Etubom Ededem Ani for their roles in investigating and prosecuting the matter.

With this conviction, legal experts say attention must now turn towards survivor support services and prevention programmes within Cross River State. Child rights groups continue to call on government and community leaders across Nigeria to prioritise protection of minors and ensure speedy prosecution of sexual offences cases.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-41-gets-life-sentence-for-rape-of-minor/

Suspects reportedly lured compatriots with fake job offers and travel documents; several lacked valid passports, say police sources

Ten Cameroonian nationals have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over alleged involvement in a visa fraud and human trafficking syndicate that reportedly defrauded victims of millions of naira in Lagos. The arrests, carried out this week, involved five men and five women suspected of targeting fellow Cameroonians seeking travel opportunities abroad.

According to findings, the group allegedly enticed their compatriots to Nigeria under the pretext of securing visas, work permits, and residency documents for destinations including Mauritius, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Victims were said to have paid substantial sums for promised travel arrangements that never materialised. Police sources noted that several suspects did not possess valid passports or visas themselves, raising concerns about their entry into Nigeria.

The syndicate reportedly operated under the cover of a networking business in Lagos. However, investigations revealed that their primary activity was recruiting individuals with false promises and exploiting them financially. A police officer familiar with the case stated that social media platforms were used to advertise these bogus opportunities, making it difficult for authorities to trace initial contacts between suspects and victims.

Human trafficking remains a pressing concern in Nigeria as at June 2026, with law enforcement agencies repeatedly warning against fraudulent migration schemes. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has previously raised alarms over increased cases of visa racketeering involving both local and foreign syndicates. The police have urged members of the public to be vigilant when approached with overseas job offers or document assistance schemes.

As investigations continue, police authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify additional victims and unravel how the suspects entered Nigeria without proper documentation. The Lagos State Police Command has called on anyone with relevant information or who may have fallen victim to such scams to come forward and assist with ongoing inquiries.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ten-cameroonians-nabbed-over-alleged-visa-fraud-human-trafficking-in-lagos/