Ukrainian authorities allege Ondo-born Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor joined Russian military under mercenary contract, warn over recruitment of Africans into war

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Agency has reported that a Nigerian national, identified as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, 34, from Ilutitun in Ondo State, was killed while allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to the agency, Victor died in the Kharkiv region near Hrafske after joining Russian military operations under a contract reportedly signed in late February 2026. The Ukrainian intelligence service said he entered the arrangement just days after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued warnings advising citizens against involvement in foreign armed conflicts.

Kyiv’s Main Intelligence Directorate claimed Victor was recruited under promises of quick financial gain and underwent about one week of training before being deployed to the front lines, where he was subsequently killed.

The agency further alleged that recruitment efforts targeting African nationals, including Nigerians, are being carried out through social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. It also claimed that some recruits have their passports confiscated upon arrival in Moscow and are then presented with limited options, including deportation under debt, imprisonment, or signing military contracts.

Ukrainian authorities also stated that as many as 215 Nigerians may have signed contracts with Russia’s Defence Ministry, with approximately 25 reported dead or missing, though these figures have not been independently verified.

The Nigerian government has previously warned citizens to avoid participation in foreign conflicts, stressing legal and security risks associated with mercenary involvement.

Authorities from Russia have not publicly responded to the specific allegations.