Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that two Nigerian nationals were killed while fighting for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, as a surviving Nigerian recruit has appealed for urgent repatriation.
The deceased, identified as Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka, were said to have signed contracts with the Russian military in 2025 and were deployed to the Luhansk region, where they were killed during combat operations.
In a related development, Abubakar Adamu, another Nigerian believed to have been recruited under controversial circumstances, has formally requested assistance from the Nigerian government to secure his release and return home. Adamu claims he was lured to Russia with promises of civilian employment before being compelled to enlist in the Russian military.
There has been no official response so far from Russian authorities or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The incident has renewed concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals into the Russia–Ukraine war and the risks faced by civilians drawn into the conflict under disputed circumstances.