The Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian men, Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka, who were fighting with Russian forces. Their deaths come amid Russia’s repeated denial of recruiting foreign fighters from Nigeria.
In Abuja, Russian Ambassador Andrey Podyolyshev told reporters that he had no knowledge of any official program enlisting Nigerians for the war in Ukraine, adding that any such activity, if it occurred, was not sanctioned by the Russian state.
Despite these denials, Ukrainian Defence released photographs of the Nigerians killed while serving in the Russian military. According to the statement, Kolawole and Udoka were part of the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division. Both had signed contracts with the Russian Army in the second half of 2025—Kolawole on August 29, Udoka on September 28. Udoka received no military training and was sent to Luhansk just five days later. Kolawole’s training records are unclear, though it is believed he had little to no formal preparation.
The report states that both men were killed in late November during an assault on Ukrainian positions, struck down by a drone before engaging in combat. Ukrainian authorities have warned other foreign nationals against traveling to Russia or taking up work there, describing it as a risk of being forced into high-risk military roles.
Earlier reports had revealed the deaths of four other Nigerians—Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka, and Balogun Ridwan Adisa—who were recruited under the guise of security jobs but ended up on the frontlines after only weeks of training. Sources indicated they were promised high salaries and allowances but, upon arrival in Russia, were compelled to sign military contracts in Russian with no translation or legal support. Their passports were reportedly confiscated, leaving them unable to escape.
The tragic incidents highlight the dangers facing foreign mercenaries drawn into the Ukraine-Russia conflict under misleading pretenses.
