NEO, I know everyone's got his own motives and decides for himself.
I can't comment on mil flying and their reasons as I'd never do it.
I didn't exactly compare Nigeria and war zones :-)
I also think that going to Nigeria now and having worked there for couple years or a decade makes a difference. Knowing the situation, being used to higher security etc. There also aren't that many ex-mil guys around starting their civilian heli career.
My Nigerian friend with plank experience from the US told me he'd like to return home eventually (now living in Belfast) and do some bush flying - even outside Nigeria. He also likes the idea of flying helicopters professionally, but says he's too old (30s??) or it's too hard to change things..
Well, for a guy with US green card and EU passport, top notch camo for field work in Africa (being Nigerian), almost 1000 TT incl multiprop charter hours, working outside aviation (don't ask me why, I did already), it's bit strange to me.
He's also not arsed to do JAA ATPL theory.