Ukraine says another Nigerian killed fighting for Russian forces

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence has reported the death of another Nigerian national, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, who was allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine stated that Victor, born in 1992 and from Ilutitun in Ondo State, was killed in combat operations in the Kharkiv region near Hrafske.

According to the report, Victor signed a mercenary contract in late February 2026, approximately one week after Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts. Ukrainian intelligence claims that many foreign recruits are lured by promises of employment and quick financial gains, only to be deployed 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,” the statement read.

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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.

Ukrainian authorities allege that recruitment networks exploit 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 a lack of jobs, invalid visas, and no means of return. This leaves them with limited options, described by the agency as "Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army."

The report indicates that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, with approximately 25 reported dead or missing in action. This incident adds to growing concerns over the alleged recruitment of African nationals into the conflict. The Ukrainian intelligence agency urged Nigerians to resist recruitment attempts and avoid involvement in what it termed an "illegal war," encouraging potential victims to report such schemes through designated support channels. The Nigerian government has consistently cautioned its citizens against participating in foreign armed conflicts, emphasizing the legal and security consequences.

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