By our reporter 28.5.2026
A Nigerian man identified as Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor has been reported killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine Thursday, Victor was killed in open battle in the Kharkiv region during military operations by Ukraine forces.
The Ondo State born Victor was said to have signed on to fight for Russia in February 2026, a week after the Federal government warned Nigerians about the dangers of traveling to Russia, for phantom jobs, because they could be lured into the war.
Many Africans have been deceived into fighting for Russia on the premise of getting paying jobs, only to the pushed into the war by Russian authorities.
“Their story is typical… deception, promises of ‘easy money,’ a week of training, deployment to the front, and a quick death,” said a statement by the Ukraine Intelligence.
The victims of the job scam are alleged to have recruited via social media platforms and on arrival in Moscow, their travel documents are seized and threated with arrest and deportation, feeling trapped they have no option than to fight for Russia.
The report also cited figures suggesting that at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence, while about 25 are either dead or missing in action.