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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.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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