Nigerian National Reportedly Killed While Fighting for Russian Forces

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has reported the death of another Nigerian national, Victor Ayebusiwa, who was allegedly killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The news was announced on Thursday in a statement by Ukrinform, the Ukrainian National News Agency, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.

Victor Ayebusiwa, born on April 28, 1992, was a native of Ilutitun in Ondo State, Nigeria. According to the report, he was killed in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske during combat operations involving Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian intelligence stated that Victor signed a mercenary contract in late February 2026, just about a week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts.

The agency alleged that many foreign recruits are enticed by promises of employment and quick financial gain, only to be sent to the front lines soon 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 said.

Ukrainian officials further claimed that recruitment networks use social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to target African nationals. Victims are reportedly issued visas and one-way tickets, but upon arrival in Moscow, their passports are confiscated under the pretext of document processing. They are then told there are no jobs, no valid visas, and no way to return home, leaving them with few choices.

“Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army,” the agency described, outlining the options presented to the recruits.

The report also noted that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, with around 25 dead or missing in action. It referenced previous cases of Nigerian nationals reportedly killed under similar circumstances, describing a growing pattern of foreign recruitment into the conflict.

The Ukrainian intelligence agency urged Nigerians to resist recruitment offers and avoid involvement in what it called an “illegal war,” encouraging those targeted by such schemes to report them through designated support channels.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly warned its citizens against joining foreign armed conflicts, citing legal and security risks. It also emphasized that Nigeria is not a party to the Russia-Ukraine war.

This latest development adds to mounting concerns about the recruitment of African nationals into the conflict, as the war continues with no clear end in sight.