Another Nigerian Killed While Fighting For Russia

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has announced the death of another Nigerian citizen, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, who died while allegedly fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Naija News reports that this was made public through the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, alongside Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate on Thursday.

According to the information released, Victor was born on April 28, 1992, and hailed from Ilutitun in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Ukrainian authorities said he lost his life during fighting in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske while Ukrainian troops were carrying out combat operations.

The agency claimed Victor entered into a mercenary agreement with the Russian military in late February 2026.

This reportedly happened shortly after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned Nigerians against joining foreign wars or accepting illegal military recruitment offers.

Ukrainian officials alleged that several foreign nationals, including Africans, are being attracted with promises of jobs and fast income before being moved to battle zones soon after arriving in Russia.

The intelligence agency further claimed that some recruitment groups make use of social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to target young Africans searching for opportunities abroad.

According to the report, some recruits allegedly receive visas and flight tickets to Russia, only to face difficulties after arriving in Moscow.

Ukrainian authorities claimed passports are sometimes collected during documentation processes, after which recruits are allegedly informed that no promised job exists.

The report stated that some of the affected persons are then left with few options, including deportation, detention, or agreeing to fight for the Russian military.

Ukraine’s intelligence agency also claimed that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defence since the war began, while about 25 Nigerians are reportedly dead or missing.

The agency referred to previous cases involving other Nigerian nationals who were allegedly killed under similar conditions, saying the recruitment of foreigners into the conflict appears to be increasing.

Ukrainian authorities advised Nigerians to avoid offers linked to the war and urged those approached by recruiters to report such activities through official channels.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly warned citizens against taking part in foreign armed conflicts.

Authorities have maintained that Nigeria is not involved in the Russia-Ukraine war and cautioned citizens about the legal and security dangers connected to joining such battles.