KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Pro-Russia sentiment has become widespread in northern Nigeria, as evidenced by the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance movement. The movement’s initial aim of protesting the Nigerian government’s perceived mismanagement of the economy was overshadowed by Russian flag-bearing demonstrators shouting pro-Russia slogans.
• Russian information operations appear less targeted at Nigeria than neighboring Sahelian countries, whose military juntas are backed by Russia. However, linguistic and cultural ties between those countries—especially Niger—and Nigeria have resulted in pro-Russia narratives becoming more influential among northern Nigerians.
• Nigeria’s economic weakness and pro-Russia sentiment, combined with calls for mercenaries to counter the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, provide openings for Russia’s Africa Corps paramilitary group to insert itself militarily in Nigeria. This would help Russia further its goal to replace U.S. and other Western influence in yet another African country.
• Growing concern in early 2026 from Nigerian officials and civil society about Nigerians, among other Africans, being lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine are fueling suspicions about Russian intentions in Africa. This presents an opportunity for Nigerians to push back against the growing pro-Russia sentiment in the country, maintaining a Nigeria that is cooperative with the United States and its other traditional Western partners.