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Job scam: How Nigerians are lured into Ukraine-Russia war
They boarded planes believing they were heading to work sites, supermarkets or security posts. Instead, they arrived at military camps, where refusal to fight meant intimidation, detention or abandonment. As the Russia-Ukraine war grinds on, young Nigerians are emerging as disposable foot soldiers — recruited not by ideology, but by hunger.
Thirty-one-year-old Benjamin Oloko, who sold wares at Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, believed he was set to japa for good when a friend asked him to check out a recruitment agency he found on Facebook last year. On the page was a lucrative job offer — a security job promising $1,500 monthly and a $20,000 sign-up bonus. The job was in Russia, a 15-hour flight from Nigeria.
Fearing that family and friends might not let his destiny shine, Oloko began the process discreetly. His worry was that they might persuade him not to seek greener pastures by pointing to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which began in 2022. Desperate to escape Nigeria’s economic hardship, he borrowed money, convinced that repayment would not be a problem once he began earning his lavish pay in Russia.
He paid the agent’s fee, bought his ticket and processed his visa, spending about $1,000 in all. By mid-September 2025, Oloko arrived in Russia brimming with excitement and ready to achieve his dreams of a beautiful life.
Upon arrival, airport officials collected his passport and phone after instructing him to notify his “handler” to pick him up and take him to the hotel booked for him. After about eight hours at the airport, a Belarusian man arrived to pick him up. He was immediately asked to pay $500 to be handed over to the main agent in Russia to sort out accommodation, which he promptly did.
At the hotel, Oloko was lodged alongside four other Africans. One was another Nigerian, who turned out to be an Amotekun personnel from Oyo State who had abandoned the outfit for the better-paying Russia job offer. The other three were from Uganda, Kenya and Sudan.
Oloko stayed at the hotel for five days. It was during his interaction with his fellow Africans that he began to realise he might not be in Russia for a private security job after all, but a Russian Army assignment. It was at this point that he called family and friends to reveal where he was and what awaited him — that he had been lured to Russia to join the military.
When he contacted his Nigerian agent for confirmation, the narrative changed from a private security job to claims that he would only work in the kitchen at the war camp and would not be deployed to the frontline. While awaiting transfer to the military camp, his family warned him against signing any contract.
“I was warned that signing the contract meant signing my death warrant,” Oloko said.
Frontline reality
After more than a week, he and the others were moved to the military camp for training. On arrival, three of them signed the contract, while Oloko and the Amotekun officer refused. The three who signed began taking pictures and videos, which they sent to the Russian agent to show they were living their best lives. This put pressure on Oloko and his newfound ally.
Initially, they were enticed with promises of several goodies. This lasted two weeks. By the third week, enticement gave way to threats to sign the contract.
“We were threatened and put under serious pressure to sign the contract,” Oloko said.
The Russian agent, a middle-aged woman, warned that our refusal to sign the contract would make her lose money. When they remained unyielding, she said they would not be allowed to leave the camp until they refunded all the money spent on lodging and feeding them. This amounted to $500, which they paid before being released.
After collecting the money, she instructed her driver to take them away from the camp and return them to the hotel. Angry over the failed mission, Oloko said that after about two hours of driving, the driver suddenly stopped, asked them to pick up their belongings and get out of the car.
“The driver, after about two hours, asked us to get down and dropped us in the bush. He collected our wallet and passport. We had to walk for several hours, till dawn, before we got help,” Oloko said.
They found themselves in the middle of nowhere — foreigners in a strange land. Oloko said they trekked for seven hours before encountering a Belarusian truck driver who helped them to town.
“We arrived at the airport, but our passports were not released. Even with the involvement of the Nigerian embassy, the Russian agent refused to release our passports.”
Oloko said he had to call home to borrow money to return to Nigeria. His Amotekun ally also returned home. He added that he kept in touch with the other three who signed up for the war.
Presently, Oloko said two of them have died in the war, while one escaped with injuries from a bomb blast and is still hospitalised. He said he saw many Africans during his stay at the military camp, many forced to continue training despite sustaining injuries.
Similarly, 36-year-old Nigerian mechanic, Bankole Manchi, left Lagos to secure a Russia security job that promised N500,000 monthly. An agent handled the travel process, requesting minimal personal information. Unlike Oloko, Bankole informed his family of his plans to travel to Russia to make ends meet. He travelled through Addis Ababa to Moscow.
Upon arrival, Bankole said he was handed over to men who assured him everything was fine. Instead of being taken to a workplace, he was transported to a military-style camp where he met recruits from Nigeria, Ghana, France, Brazil and China.
He said many struggled to communicate due to language barriers and relied on translation apps. According to him, they were told there was “no way out” once inside the facility. Training began with basic drills before progressing to weapon handling, grenade practice and night operations. Several recruits were injured during training but were still forced to continue.
Bankole said they were later moved at night to what they realised was Ukrainian territory. Shortly after arriving at the frontline, heavy gunfire broke out and he was shot in the leg. He added that food was extremely scarce, with recruits surviving mainly on water for days before receiving medical attention. He described African recruits as “disposable fighters”.
Dominant among the jobs used to lure Africans to Russia are private security roles, supermarket work, airport jobs or housekeeping. Leaving their countries with promises of well-paid civilian employment, they arrive only to be detained and dumped in military camps, trained as soldiers and deployed to the frontline after signing contracts.
The recruitment network targets young Africans in their 20s and 30s, pressuring them into military service upon arrival. Oloko and Bankole are among many Nigerians lured into serving as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2014, with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine commencing on February 24, 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hinged the invasion, after years of tension between Russia and Ukraine, on Kyiv’s growing ties with the West, which he viewed as a threat to Russia’s influence. Putin cited alleged genocide against Russian speakers in the Donbas as justification. However, these claims were widely discredited, with the invasion largely seen as an attempt to reassert Russia’s influence over Ukraine and prevent its deeper integration into the European Union and NATO.
At the outbreak of the war, both Russia and Ukraine openly invited mercenaries from across the world to join their forces. Ukraine’s invitation, titled “Join the Brave,” listed units such as the 3rd Assault Brigade, 60th Separate Mechanised Brigade, 53rd Separate Mechanised Brigade, Compania Serpente, Able and Omega Company.
Requirements included an age limit of 18 to 60 years, no criminal record, no chronic illnesses, physical fitness, ability to legally enter Ukraine and relevant experience. Applicants were required to submit personal details, links to social media accounts, marital status, preferred unit, medical conditions, military experience and the duration they were willing to serve — between six months and “until victory”.
Grim reality
In terms of casualties, a report released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in June 2025 revealed that more than 13,300 civilians had been killed and over 31,700 injured since February 2022.
Similarly, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, based in Washington, D.C., estimated that Russian military deaths and injuries would reach one million by the summer of 2025. It also estimated Ukrainian military casualties since 2022 at about 400,000, including roughly 100,000 soldiers killed.
In 2022, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that 38 Nigerian fighters had been killed in Ukraine since the start of the war. According to the ministry, 85 Nigerians had enlisted as foreign mercenaries, of whom 38 were killed while 35 returned home.
The ministry faulted Kyiv’s claim that 20,000 foreign mercenaries were supporting Ukraine’s defence, insisting that it monitored and recorded every foreign national who entered Ukraine as a mercenary or trainee.
By November 2025, however, Reuters quoted Ukraine’s Foreign Minister as saying that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries were fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials claimed that Russia bolstered its troops by recruiting fighters from various countries, sometimes through deception.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, said Russia was enticing Africans to sign contracts he described as “equivalent to a death sentence”.
“Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called meat assaults, where they are quickly killed,” Sybiha said.
He added that the number of African recruits could be higher than the 1,436 identified from 36 countries, noting that most foreign mercenaries in Ukrainian custody were captured during their first combat mission.
Following these revelations, the South African government said it would investigate how 17 of its citizens joined mercenary forces after the men sent distress calls seeking help to return home. Similarly, Kenya said some of its citizens had been detained in military camps across Russia after “unknowingly” getting caught up in the conflict.
Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, a Nigerian preacher based in Canada, has sparked controversy online after appearing to celebrate the death of her mother-in-law in a social media post that has drawn widespread criticism.
The cleric shared the funeral poster of the deceased, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday, accompanying it with remarks in which she accused her late mother-in-law of being responsible for some of the challenges she had faced in the past.
Ezinne claimed she had endured years of spiritual attacks and persecution, saying she believed God had exposed those she held responsible for her struggles.
She also issued stern warnings to individuals she described as agents of evil, urging them to repent.
Her comments triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many users criticising her for publicly expressing what they perceived as joy over the death of a family member.
The incident has also renewed public interest in Ezinne’s marriage to Franklin Nwanorue, which previously made headlines over a controversial fidelity oath he took before relocating to Canada.
Before leaving Nigeria, Franklin reportedly recorded a video in which he pledged to remain faithful to his wife, declaring that he should die if he ever cheated on her after relocating abroad.
However, Ezinne later accused her husband of violating the oath, alleging in a separate Facebook post that he had become involved with another woman despite his public declaration.
As of the time of filing this report, Franklin Nwanorue and other members of his family had yet to publicly respond to Ezinne’s latest social media post.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally terminated the services of his longtime personal lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, directing him to stop representing him, his family or IPOB in any capacity.
In a letter dated July 22, 2026, and written from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Kanu said Ejiofor’s engagement as his personal legal representative had previously been terminated verbally, adding that the latest letter served as formal written confirmation of the decision.
Kanu also withdrew any authority previously granted to Ejiofor to act for or represent IPOB, insisting that the lawyer no longer had any express, implied or ostensible authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.
Citing Section II, Subsection A of the IPOB Code of Conduct, Kanu said the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss principal officers rests exclusively with the IPOB leader unless expressly delegated.
He argued that no individual, committee or former office holder acting outside the provisions of the IPOB Code of Conduct could validly appoint or retain legal representatives for the organisation.
Kanu directed Ejiofor to immediately stop making public statements, granting interviews, issuing press releases or publishing social media posts on behalf of him, his family or IPOB.
He also instructed the lawyer to stop presenting himself as his legal representative or that of IPOB in any court, forum or public space, and to take the necessary legal steps to withdraw from any pending matters in which he remains counsel of record.
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In the letter, Kanu warned Ejiofor against disclosing or misusing confidential information obtained during their lawyer-client relationship.
“Accordingly, I hereby place you on formal notice that you are not authorised to disclose, publish, communicate, exploit, or otherwise use any confidential or privileged information acquired in the course of your retainer, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, except as required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, without my express written authorisation.
“Any unauthorised disclosure or misuse of privileged information may constitute professional misconduct and may give rise to disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as any other remedies available under the law.”
Kanu further cautioned that any breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised disclosure of privileged information could amount to professional misconduct and attract disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), in addition to other legal remedies available under Nigerian law.
I tightened the language, removed repetition and improved the flow while retaining the substance of the original report.
Rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, 2026, trapping some occupants beneath the rubble.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, a police-led joint security team was immediately deployed to the scene following a distress report.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ikenga said, “On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.
“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.
“Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
“To this end, members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”
The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, has been allocated 393 empowerment projects valued at N127.1bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act, according to civic technology organisation, Tracka.
The allocation is part of N947.70bn earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects across the country, with Tracka raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The organisation said the projects were spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose statutory mandates do not ordinarily cover empowerment programmes.
The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, received 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, was allocated 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.
The National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects worth N89.5bn, including N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme.
Tracka said only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects had clearly identified locations, making it difficult for citizens and oversight bodies to track implementation.
The projects include buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment and grants.
Overall, N962.83bn was earmarked for SUVs and empowerment projects, comprising N15.13bn for 39 SUVs and N947.70bn for the empowerment programmes. Tracka said the amount exceeds the combined N960.27bn allocated to seven federal ministries.
The organisation warned that poorly designed empowerment schemes could become channels for political patronage, while calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Its concerns come amid rising government borrowing. The Federal Government has increased its 2026 borrowing plan to N29.20tn, while total spending is projected at N68.32tn against revenue of N36.87tn, leaving a deficit of N31.46tn.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, warned that rising deficits and debt could threaten Nigeria’s fragile economic stability and create a risk of a debt trap.
The Federal Government has earmarked N962.83bn for the procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment projects in the 2026 Appropriation Act, an amount higher than the combined allocations to seven key federal ministries, according to an analysis by civic technology organisation, Tracka.
Tracka said its review of the 2026 Federal Government budget showed that N15.13bn was allocated for the procurement of 39 SUVs, while N947.70bn was earmarked for 2,579 empowerment projects, bringing the total to N962.83bn.
The organisation said the amount exceeded the combined N960.27bn allocated to the Federal Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing and Urban Development; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Petroleum Resources.
The ministries received N156.8bn, N145.3bn, N169.39bn, N150.7bn, N177.6bn, N87.3bn and N73.1bn, respectively.
Tracka expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency surrounding many of the empowerment projects, noting that only 70 of the 2,579 projects had clearly identified implementation locations.
It said the absence of project locations raised fundamental questions about accountability, implementation and oversight.
The organisation asked: “How can citizens track projects with no stated location? How can oversight institutions verify implementation? How can taxpayers know who ultimately benefits from these allocations?”
Tracka also said the projects were spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose statutory mandates do not ordinarily cover empowerment programmes.
According to the analysis, the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, was assigned 393 projects worth N127.1bn, while the National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects valued at N89.5bn.
The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, was allocated 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, received 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.
The largest single empowerment allocation was N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme under the National Agricultural Development Fund.
Other major allocations included N14bn for the procurement and distribution of economic empowerment equipment and utility vehicles through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River; N14bn for youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development; and another N14bn for youth empowerment and medical outreach under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The budget document also contains several allocations for buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment, grants and other empowerment items across various agencies and regions.
While acknowledging that empowerment programmes could deliver meaningful social and economic benefits, Tracka said such initiatives must be properly designed and transparently implemented.
It warned that poorly designed programmes could become channels for political patronage, with benefits going to loyalists rather than reaching citizens broadly.
“Experience over the years has shown that many poorly defined empowerment projects have become vehicles for political patronage, rewarding loyalists rather than delivering broad-based benefits to citizens,” the organisation said.
Tracka further expressed concern over the fiscal implications of the allocations, noting that the 2026 budget is expected to be financed largely through borrowing.
It said that with the budget projected to run a deficit of about 46 per cent, every naira should be directed towards investments with clear development outcomes, measurable impact and value for money.
The organisation called for greater transparency in budget preparation and implementation, insisting that every budget item should have a clear purpose, defined location, an implementing agency with the appropriate legal mandate, identifiable beneficiaries and measurable outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has increased its borrowing plan for 2026 to N29.20tn following an expansion in the proposed budget size.
The figure represents an N11.31tn increase from the earlier N17.89tn borrowing projection contained in the 2026 Abridged Budget Call Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Total debt financing for 2026 is now projected at N29.2tn, amid a widening fiscal deficit. Total spending is estimated at N68.32tn, while aggregate revenue is projected at N36.87tn, leaving a deficit of N31.46tn.
The Federal Government also raised N5.08tn from the domestic bond market in the first six months of 2026, representing a 77.8 per cent increase from the N2.86tn raised during the corresponding period of 2025, according to an analysis of Debt Management Office auction results.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, had earlier warned that Nigeria must be cautious not to undermine the fragile macroeconomic stability achieved in recent months.
Yusuf expressed concern over high deficits and rising debt levels, warning of the risk of a debt trap.
“We need to worry about debt sustainability,” he said, noting that high levels of deficits and debt could “choke the fiscal space and lead to a kind of vicious circle of debt.”
He added that Nigeria had only recently regained some macroeconomic stability and that any disruption could worsen inflation and exchange rate pressures.
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