Ukraine Confirms Death of Nigerian Fighting for Russian Forces
- 1 day ago
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Ukrainian authorities have announced the death of a Nigerian national identified as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, who was reportedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence agency, the 33-year-old was killed during clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske. Officials said the Nigerian was originally from Ilutitun in Ondo State.
In a statement released on Thursday, the agency alleged that Victor had joined the Russian military under promises of financial reward before being deployed to the battlefield after a short training period. Ukrainian officials also released photographs showing him in military uniform as well as an image of his Nigerian passport.
The agency noted that Victor allegedly signed a military contract with Russia in February 2026, despite warnings previously issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the illegal recruitment of Nigerians into foreign conflicts.
Ukrainian intelligence further claimed that more than 200 Nigerians have entered agreements with Russia’s defence ministry since the war intensified, joining foreign fighters participating in the conflict.
The statement urged Nigerians to avoid recruitment efforts linked to the war, warning citizens against involvement in what it described as Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine.
The development comes weeks after reports emerged that several Cameroonian nationals fighting for Russian forces were also killed on the battlefield.
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