Ukrainian intelligence has reported the death of yet another Nigerian national, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, who was killed while fighting alongside Russian troops in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
According to a statement by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, on Thursday, Victor, born on April 28, 1992, and hailing from Ilutitun in Ondo State, was eliminated during combat operations in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske.
The report indicates that Victor signed a mercenary contract with Russian forces in late February 2026, shortly after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning to citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts.
Ukrainian authorities described his case as typical of many foreign recruits: lured with promises of employment and quick financial gains, given minimal training, and rapidly deployed to the frontlines.
“Their story is typical… deception, promises of ‘easy money,’ a week of training, deployment to the front, and a quick death,” the intelligence agency stated.
The GUR further alleged that recruitment networks target African nationals, particularly Nigerians, through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
Recruits are reportedly issued visas and one-way tickets to Moscow, only for their passports to be seized upon arrival.
They are then allegedly given the options of deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the Russian army.
Ukrainian officials claim that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defence, with around 25 either confirmed dead or missing in action.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns over the recruitment of African nationals into the conflict.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly cautioned its citizens against participating in the Russia-Ukraine war, stressing that Nigeria is not a party to the conflict and warning of potential legal and security repercussions.
Ukrainian intelligence urged Nigerians to resist such recruitment attempts and report any suspicious activities through designated channels.
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