The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has reported the death of another Nigerian man, identified as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, a native of Ilutitun in Ondo State allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to statements released by the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine on Thursday, Victor, born on April 28, 1992, was killed during combat operations in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske.
The report alleged that Victor signed a mercenary contract with Russian forces in late February 2026, approximately one week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency claimed that many foreign recruits are lured through promises of employment opportunities and quick financial rewards before being deployed to frontline combat operations 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 agency stated.
Russian African Soldier Recruitment
The Ukrainian authorities further alleged that recruitment networks use social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to target African nationals.
According to the report, recruits are allegedly issued visas and one-way flight tickets to Russia, where their passports are confiscated under the pretext of documentation processing.
The agency claimed the recruits are later informed that there are no jobs available and no valid visas for return travel, leaving them with limited options.
“Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army,” the statement added while describing the alleged choices presented to recruits.
The report further alleged that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, while about 25 are either dead or missing in action.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency urged Nigerians to resist recruitment attempts and avoid participation in what it described as an illegal war.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly cautioned citizens against involvement in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that Nigeria is not a party to the Russia-Ukraine war.
