In recent months, Nigeria has found itself implicated in various claims emerging from Russia’s Ministry of Defence and related media outlets. These assertions, ranging from Nigeria being the origin of the West African monkeypox variant to allegations of U.S.-controlled bioweapons labs operating in the country, raise important questions about the role of disinformation in geopolitical narratives. A closer, more objective examination of these claims reveals significant inconsistencies and underscores the broader context of Russia’s information strategies.
The Monkeypox Origin Controversy
One of the most prominent claims is that the West African monkeypox variant originated in Nigeria. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, this assertion is based on a World Health Organization (WHO) report. However, a review of WHO documents shows that no specific report confirms Nigeria as the origin of the monkeypox variant in question. Instead, WHO reports indicate that while Nigeria has experienced outbreaks of monkeypox since 2017, Cameroon registered cases earlier within the same period.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, and the WHO reports highlight the presence of the virus in several West African countries, including Cameroon and Nigeria. The first recorded outbreak outside Africa occurred in the United States in 2003, linked to animals imported from Ghana. Although Nigeria is among the countries affected by monkeypox, there is no direct evidence supporting the claim that the virus originated there.
“In 2003, the first monkeypox outbreak outside of Africa was in the United States of America and was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. These pets had been housed with Gambian pouched rats and dormice that had been imported into the country from Ghana. This outbreak led to over 70 cases of monkeypox in the U.S.” An excerpt from
the report says.
A screenshot from WHO reports shows Cameroon had registered a case before Nigeria
Dr Desu from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) clarified that the origin of the West African variant of Monkeypox has not been categorically stated.
“Nobody can categorically say where the West African variant of the Monkeypox originated from. Although the variant resurfaced in Nigeria in 2017, there is no available literature that says where it originated from.”
This raises concerns about the accuracy of the Russian Defence Ministry’s statements. The failure to provide verifiable sources or specific references to WHO data suggests that this narrative may be part of a broader strategy to shift attention or sow doubt. It is also worth noting that the resurgence of monkeypox cases in recent years coincided with outbreaks in several non-endemic countries, further complicating any attempt to pinpoint a single origin for the virus.
The Biafran Nuclear Missile Hoax
Another claim that gained attention involves a purported nuclear missile built by a Russian-based Biafran separatist. This story, which circulated widely on social media, suggested that a “Biafran Satan 404” missile had been developed, stirring significant reactions online.
Some results of the conducted advanced Google reverse search on the claim. Results show the claims of multiple resurgences on different platforms
However, findings revealed that the image associated with this claim was doctored. The original photograph, taken in 2012, shows a Soviet-era SS-4 medium-range ballistic missile on display in Havana, Cuba.
Image 1: Acclaimed image under scrutiny, depicts the nuclear missile said to have been built by a Russian-based Biafran.
Image 2: depicts the actual source and narrative around the image as shared on the Business Insider 7 years ago. The missile neither carries the flag of Biafra, nor the text ‘Republic of Biafra’.
The missile in the picture was neither built by a ‘Biafran’ nor any other entity related to the secessionist state. In fact, it was originally taken when the deactivated Soviet-era SS-4 medium nuclear-capable ballistic missile was displayed at La Cabana fortress in Havana, Cuba on October 13, 2012.
This instance of disinformation is particularly striking because of its use of altered visuals to create a misleading narrative. While the Biafran separatist movement remains a sensitive issue in Nigeria, with historical and political implications, there is no evidence to suggest that Biafran actors have developed nuclear capabilities. The fabrication of such a story reflects a broader trend of using emotionally charged or historically significant topics to stoke fear and confusion, particularly in regions already grappling with political instability.
U.S.-Controlled Biolabs in Nigeria?
The third major claim involves allegations that the United States is using biological laboratories in Nigeria to develop bioweapons. This narrative gained traction after the Russian government published images and statements suggesting that U.S.-funded labs in Nigeria were involved in military-biological activities. These claims draw parallels to similar accusations made by Russia in relation to Ukraine, which have been widely debunked.
A screenshot of the claims
However, in reality, the laboratories mentioned, including the Modular Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) lab in Zaria and the Defense Reference Laboratory in Abuja, were established to enhance the country’s capacity to address infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola. These facilities, supported by international health programs, are primarily focused on public health research and containment efforts, not bioweapons development.
Original pictures of the BSL-3 lab in Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria. Credit: Nicholas Eza/Institute of Human Virology (IHV)
Despite Russia’s claims, no verifiable evidence has emerged to support the notion that these labs are being used for anything other than their stated public health objectives. Independent investigations by Humanagle have confirmed that the images used to depict these labs were taken out of context or manipulated to fit a misleading narrative.
For example, the picture of a child with skin rashes as a result of smallpox was taken in 1974 by Santosh Basak in the Indian village of Hakegora.
In this 1974 file photo, one of three recently used by the Russian defence ministry to depict Nigeria’s connection with the monkeypox outbreak, a child displays the result of smallpox in Hakegora, a village in India. Photo: Santosh Basak
Nonetheless, the claim has resonated with some online audiences, illustrating the power of disinformation to exploit existing anxieties about global health and international cooperation.
The Broader Context of Disinformation
These three examples reflect a broader pattern of disinformation that leverages geopolitical tensions and public fears to shape narratives. By associating Nigeria with controversial topics such as bioweapons, nuclear threats, and disease origins, Russia’s disinformation campaigns aim to influence both local and international perceptions. In doing so, they create doubt, distract from other issues, and potentially destabilize regions that are already dealing with significant challenges.
Olayinka Shehu, a disinformation expert explains that it is important to approach these claims with a critical eye, examining the sources, evidence, and context in which they are made. “Disinformation often thrives in environments where information is scarce, incomplete, or difficult to verify. In the case of Nigeria, where public trust in institutions may be fragile, these narratives can have particularly harmful effects, especially when they play on existing social, political, or health-related concerns,” He said.
Nonetheless, Chioma Iruke, a Disinformation Researcher with CDD, adds that; the recent wave of Russian disinformation targeting Nigeria serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding global information warfare. While the claims regarding monkeypox origins, Biafran missile development, and U.S.-controlled biolabs may appear sensational, closer analysis reveals a lack of credible evidence and a pattern of distortion.
She added that “these narratives should be seen within the larger context of geopolitical strategy, where misinformation is used to further political objectives and destabilize regions of interest.”
Sighting from her experience, Chioma recommends that, for Nigeria and the international community, these incidents highlight the importance of robust fact-checking, media literacy, and transparent communication. “In an era where information can be weaponized, ensuring that accurate, reliable data is accessible to the public is critical to countering the effects of disinformation,” she stressed.
