Another Nigerian killed fighting for Russian forces – Report

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate has reported the death of another Nigerian national, Victor Ayebusiwa, who was allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces. The report, disseminated by the Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform, states that Ayebusiwa, born in April 1992 and hailing from Ilutitun in Ondo State, was killed in combat operations in the Kharkiv region near Hrafske.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Ayebusiwa signed a mercenary contract in late February 2026. This occurred approximately one week after Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning to its citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts. The intelligence agency claims that many foreign recruits are lured by promises of employment and quick financial gains, only to be sent to the front lines shortly after arriving in Russia.

"Their story is typical: deception, promises of 'easy money,' a week of training, deployment to the front, and a quick death," a statement from the agency read. Ukrainian authorities allege that recruitment networks actively use social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to target African nationals. Victims are reportedly issued visas and one-way tickets. Upon arrival in Moscow, their passports are allegedly seized for documentation processing, after which they are informed of no job, no valid visa, and no means of return.

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Their story is typical: deception, promises of ‘easy money,’ a week of training, deployment to the front, and a quick death.

This leaves recruits with limited options: deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army, according to the agency. The report also cited figures suggesting that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, with approximately 25 reported dead or missing in action. Previous reports have highlighted similar cases of Nigerian nationals being killed, indicating a pattern of foreign recruitment into the conflict.

The Ukrainian intelligence agency urged Nigerians to resist recruitment attempts and avoid involvement in what it termed an "illegal war." It also encouraged potential victims or targets of recruitment schemes to report through designated support channels. The Nigerian government has consistently cautioned its citizens against participating in foreign armed conflicts, citing legal and security consequences, and reiterating that Nigeria is not a party to the Russia-Ukraine war. This latest report adds to growing international concerns over the alleged recruitment of African nationals into the ongoing conflict.

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Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army.