At least 36 Nigerians have reportedly been recruited to fight in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with five confirmed dead, according to a new investigative report.
The report, “The Business of Despair: The Russian Army’s Recruiting of African Fighters,” published in February 2026 by All Eyes on Wagner, details how vulnerable young men across Africa were allegedly lured abroad with promises of jobs and education, only to be drawn into military service.
The research, based on a database of 1,417 African recruits between 2023 and mid-2025 obtained from Ukrainian sources, lists Nigerians among those deployed to the front lines in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It claims foreign fighters were often used in high-risk assault operations, with the average recruit aged about 31 and largely from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Among the Nigerians confirmed dead are Abdoulaye Issaka Ismael, Agbo Moses Omale, Adamu Abdulai Ismail, Mikael, and Fajobi Taiwo Omoniyi. The report notes that the total African death toll of 316 may be higher, as the list is not exhaustive.
The investigation also identified recruitment networks allegedly operating through travel agencies and social media platforms, where adverts showcased wealth and opportunity in Russia. Recruits were reportedly promised signing bonuses, salaries of up to $2,500 monthly, health insurance, and potential citizenship, though many later reported unpaid wages or coercion into signing military contracts.
In 2025, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, warned that more than 1,400 nationals from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia, with some captured as prisoners of war.
Families of affected Nigerians have expressed grief, while testimonies from captured fighters suggest some were forced into enlistment after their documents were seized and contracts presented in Russian without interpretation.
One Nigerian, Abubakar Adamu, recently appealed to Nigerian authorities for intervention, claiming he travelled to Moscow for a civilian security job but was coerced into enlistment. His lawyers argue he did not understand the documents he signed and is currently being held in a Russian military camp.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, denied any government-backed recruitment of Nigerians, stating Moscow would investigate any credible evidence presented.
Reacting to the issue, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said its evacuation programme for Nigerians affected by the conflict ended years ago, suggesting that those still involved may have voluntarily enlisted.
Security analysts say the revelations highlight the growing use of economic hardship and migration aspirations as tools for military recruitment, warning that stronger oversight of international job schemes and travel agencies may be needed to prevent further exploitation of Nigerian youths.