A Nigerian man who travelled abroad to enlist in the Russian military fighting against Ukraine has been killed on the battlefield.
The identity of the deceased has not been officially disclosed. Reports indicate that he left his family behind in Nigeria before travelling to join the Russian Army amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the Nigerian’s death in a brief post on social media on Monday, stating that he was killed in combat. No additional details were provided regarding the location or circumstances surrounding his death.
The Nigerian is believed to be among several foreign nationals recruited by Russia through direct enlistment or inducements, including promises of financial rewards, residency, or other benefits. In recent months, reports have emerged of Africans and other foreigners being deployed to front-line units after receiving limited military training.
His death comes shortly after reports that a 28-year-old Kenyan national, Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, was also killed while fighting for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence confirmed that Mogesa died during combat operations in the Donetsk region.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Mogesa’s body was discovered by Ukrainian forces at a former Russian position following an assault. They said the Kenyan had been living and working in Qatar before travelling to Russia, where he reportedly underwent minimal training before being sent to the battlefield.
Ukrainian intelligence further revealed that Mogesa was deployed to an assault unit in eastern Ukraine, a region that has experienced intense fighting and heavy casualties on both sides since the conflict escalated.
