A Nigerian man, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, has been reported killed while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence and the Ukrainian National News Agency said Victor, 34, from Ilutitun in Ondo State, died near the settlement of Hrafske during combat with Ukrainian troops. He was born on April 28, 1992.
According to the report, Victor signed a mercenary contract in late February 2026, about a week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against joining foreign conflicts.
Ukrainian authorities said many foreign recruits are lured with promises of jobs and quick money, then sent to the frontline after minimal training. They alleged that recruitment networks use Facebook and WhatsApp to target Africans, seize passports on arrival in Moscow, and leave recruits with no valid visa or means to return.
“Their story is typical… deception, promises of ‘easy money,’ a week of training, deployment to the front, and a quick death,” the statement read.
The agency said at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with Russia’s Defence Ministry, with about 25 dead or missing. It cited earlier cases of Nigerians killed in similar circumstances as part of a growing pattern.
Ukraine urged Nigerians to reject recruitment attempts and report schemes through its support channels. The Nigerian government has repeatedly warned citizens against involvement in foreign wars and said Nigeria is not a party to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The report adds to concerns over the recruitment of African nationals as the war continues.
