Title: Investigation: 36 Nigerians Lured into Russia–Ukraine War, Five Confirmed Dead Date Published: 15 February 2026 Description: An investigative report has revealed that at least 36 Nigerians were recruited to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine, with five of them confirmed killed in combat.The findings are contained in a February 2026 report titled The Business of Despair: The Russian Army’s Recruiting of African Fighters, published by the investigative group All Eyes on Wagner. The report details how vulnerable young Africans, including Nigerians, were allegedly deceived with promises of employment and education abroad, only to be coerced into military service upon arrival.According to the investigation, Russia intensified recruitment across African countries after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, using foreign fighters to reinforce its ranks. Drawing from a database of 1,417 African recruits between 2023 and mid-2025—sourced from Ukrainian records—the report describes foreign fighters as being deployed in high-risk assault operations.The average age of the African recruits was put at 31, many of them from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Five Nigerians were identified among confirmed fatalities: Abdoulaye Issaka Ismael (27), Agbo Moses Omale (43), Adamu Abdulai Ismail (25), Mikael (47), and Fajobi Taiwo Omoniyi (50). Overall, at least 316 African recruits were reported killed, though investigators warned the figure could be higher.The investigation, conducted by the OSINT Accountability Project, uncovered recruitment networks involving travel agencies in Africa and Russia, as well as recruiters operating through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and TikTok. These channels allegedly advertised “fast-track” opportunities, displaying images of luxury cars and Moscow skyscrapers to project wealth and success.Nigeria was listed among the countries targeted, alongside South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and Gambia. Recruits were reportedly offered incentives including signing bonuses running into thousands of dollars, monthly salaries of up to $2,500, health insurance and the prospect of Russian citizenship—benefits many said were never fully delivered.In 2025, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed that over 1,400 fighters from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia, with several captured and held as prisoners of war.Accounts from the frontlinesFamilies of affected Nigerians, particularly in Rivers and Ogun states, have expressed grief and outrage. In a video posted online, one Nigerian captured by Ukrainian forces said his phone and documents were seized on arrival in Russia and that he was forced to sign a contract he could not understand before being sent to the battlefield with little training.Another Nigerian, identified only as Abubakar, was said to have suffered a heart-related episode during training but was still deployed after refusing orders, despite assurances he would be jailed briefly and returned home.Separately, one Abubakar Adamu petitioned the Federal Government for intervention, claiming he was lured to Moscow in October 2025 on a tourist visa for a civilian security job, only to be compelled to enlist in the Russian military. His lawyers argued that he signed enlistment documents written in Russian under coercion and without proper understanding.On February 12, 2026, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry released photographs of two Nigerians—Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka—reported to have died in Luhansk while fighting for Russia. Both men reportedly had no prior military training.Recruitment hub, official reactionsA Port Harcourt-based firm, St. Fortunes Travels and Logistics, was named in the report as a possible recruitment hub. Its owner, Fortune Chimene Amaewhule, denied recruiting Nigerians as mercenaries, saying his company discontinued any Russia-related travel packages after learning some clients were switching to military enlistment without the firm’s involvement.Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, denied that Moscow was recruiting Nigerians, saying he was unaware of any government-backed enlistment scheme and inviting evidence for investigation.Reacting, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission) said Nigeria’s official repatriation exercise ended over three years ago, adding that Nigerians who remained in Russia and joined the military did so voluntarily.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on the report’s findings. Attached Images: a8d6e00b6d0547789365a83f5ea567dbab37af2a83652d7d98c47f7eacbe2c60.jpg Attached Video: None