By Gloria Drealomalicha
Another Nigerian, identified as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor from Ondo State, has reportedly lost his life while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, according to Ukrainian intelligence authorities.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, citing the country’s Defence Intelligence agency, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
Victor, who was born on April 28, 1992, was said to be a native of Ilutitun in Ondo State. Ukrainian authorities alleged that he was killed during combat operations in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske.
According to the report, Victor allegedly signed a mercenary contract with the Russian military in late February 2026, barely a week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts.
Ukrainian intelligence officials claimed that many foreign recruits, particularly from African countries, are often enticed with promises of lucrative jobs and financial opportunities, only to be deployed to the battlefield 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 alleged.
The agency further claimed that recruitment networks frequently target vulnerable young Africans through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.
According to the report, recruits are allegedly provided with visas and one-way flight tickets to Moscow. However, upon arrival, their passports are reportedly confiscated under the pretext of documentation processing.
The intelligence agency alleged that victims are then informed that there are no available jobs, no valid visas, and no means of returning home, leaving them with grim alternatives.
“Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army,” the statement said, describing the difficult choices allegedly presented to recruits.
The report further claimed that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, while approximately 25 are believed to be dead or missing in action.
Ukrainian authorities also referenced previous cases involving Nigerian nationals reportedly killed under similar circumstances, describing it as part of a growing pattern of foreign recruitment linked to the war.
The agency urged Nigerians to ignore recruitment offers connected to the conflict and avoid being drawn into what it described as an “illegal war.” It also encouraged individuals approached by suspected recruiters to report such incidents through designated support channels.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly warned citizens against participating in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that Nigeria is not involved in the Russia-Ukraine war and cautioning that such involvement could carry serious legal and security implications.
Victor’s reported death has once again raised concerns over the increasing involvement of African nationals in the devastating conflict, which continues to claim lives with no immediate resolution in sight.
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