_Maha Christopher_
The Ukraine Defence Intelligence has reported the death of another Nigerian national, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, who was allegedly killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing Russia Ukraine war.
According to The Punch, the development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, and the country’s Defence Intelligence agency, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
Victor, who was born on April 28, 1992, was said to be from Ilutitun in Ondo State.
Ukrainian authorities claimed he was killed in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske during combat operations involving Ukrainian troops.
The intelligence agency alleged that Victor signed a mercenary contract with Russian forces in late February 2026, barely one week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign conflicts.
According to the report, many foreign recruits are allegedly deceived with promises of jobs and quick financial rewards before being 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 read.
The agency further alleged that recruitment networks use social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to target African nationals.
According to the report, victims are allegedly issued visas and one way tickets to Russia, where their passports are confiscated under the pretext of documentation processing.
The agency claimed recruits are then informed that there are no jobs or valid visas available, leaving them with limited options.
“Deportation with debt, imprisonment, or signing a contract with the occupying army,” the statement added.
Ukrainian authorities also claimed that at least 215 Nigerians had signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, while about 25 were reportedly dead or missing in action.
The agency urged Nigerians to avoid recruitment schemes linked to the conflict and warned against participation in what it described as an illegal war.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly cautioned citizens against involvement in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that Nigeria is not a party to the Russia Ukraine war.
