According to Punch News, Abubakar Afan, a 30-year-old former soldier of the Nigerian Army Special Forces, opened up to Ayoola Olasupo about why he decided to leave the military and why he turned down a lucrative offer to join the Russian Army.
“I left the Nigerian Army because the government doesn’t treat soldiers well. Having had exposure to several foreign military forces, I realised it was time for me to step away and focus on taking care of myself. The Nigerian government’s neglect of the military is disheartening,” he explained.
He officially disengaged from the Special Forces last year and has since ventured into business, dealing in clothing and other goods. Having served for 11 years and 100 days, he feels he gave his best during his time in uniform.
“My decision to leave was largely for my mental well-being. Just imagine a soldier earning less than ₦150,000 per month in today’s economy, with no additional benefits. There were allowances only during operations, but when stationed in the barracks, no such perks were provided.”
He added, “Politicians are living better than those putting their lives on the line to protect them. I don’t believe my life should be sacrificed for selfish leaders. The government needs to recognise this and ensure that the armed forces receive proper compensation.”
A friend connected him with a recruiter who proposed a tempting offer: sign a contract with the Russian military and receive the equivalent of N21 million, a hectare of land, and Russian citizenship. This was despite the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
“I was genuinely tempted,” Afan admitted. “But I had to think carefully because no amount of money, land, or citizenship is worth risking my life. I have many friends fighting alongside Ukraine, and picturing myself fighting against them—or them trying to kill me—was unimaginable.”
He continued, “It made no sense to me. Money alone couldn’t sway me to join the Russian Army because I believe it’s a wrong move. Islam forbids fighting for money. If someone dies fighting for money, I doubt they find peace in the afterlife.”
Those friends, he noted, are foreigners from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, fighting on Ukraine’s side.
Currently, he identifies as a businessman doing well, so desperation for money is not an issue. The recruiter even promised that he would receive the financial and land incentives immediately upon arrival in Russia, before facing any combat, but he remained uninterested.
“This is why I posted on my X account that I was travelling to Russia—it was just a way to mock the offer. In reality, I’m in Egypt now, working for a company I recently joined.”
He didn’t consult anyone about the decision because he believes he’s old enough to make his own choices. His friends are aware that he often makes decisions independently, regardless of whether they turn out good or bad.
“My wife was against the idea of me accepting the offer, and I agreed with her—it’s not worth dying for. She loves me dearly. Even before I left for Egypt, she was reluctant, saying I was doing well in business and there was no need for me to travel. She stayed back in Nigeria and spent three days crying after I left.”
Having witnessed many battles and wars, Afan described the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as between highly advanced nations armed with weapons capable of devastating a radius of two to five kilometres.
“Imagine being among people whose language you don’t understand while fighting. The outcome could be tragic—you could lose your life, a limb, or more. Even if Russia were to win the war, it wouldn’t be worth my participation. Rejecting the offer was about self-preservation. There are plenty of other opportunities out there.”
He mentioned receiving over 40 messages from people expressing interest in joining the Russian side. He warned them of the dangers and ultimately refused their pleas. “If the offer was truly beneficial, I would have encouraged others to go, but it’s not. Some kept insisting it was a better option, but I stopped responding.”
His advice to desperate individuals is to steer clear of such risky endeavours. “It’s safer to be home with your family. Opportunities will come, whether through education or business.”
He said, “I fought with Boko Haram within a distance of just 50 metres, so I know what war is.” The fight was so close it felt like the two sides were on opposite lanes of a highway—face to face. “It’s much worse than what you see on TV or in video games. War is a horrifying experience.”
During his military career, he took part in operations such as Tura Takai Bango, Rescue Final, Lafiya Dole, Rescue Dapchi Girls, and Hadin Kai.
He believes that soldiers cannot fully escape the trauma of war. “You can only rid yourself of about 40 per cent of it. War is no joke.”
He urged people to remember the colleagues who lost their lives, some brutally, and to reflect on the perilous situations they endured during combat.
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