Nigerian Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Traded Jail Term for War

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian forces have captured a Nigerian national, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing conflict. The 29-year-old was apprehended in the Zaporizhzhia region by the “Freedom of Russia Legion,” a unit comprising Russian fighters aligned with Ukraine.

Oluwagbemileke’s capture sheds light on Russia’s reported strategy of recruiting foreign nationals, often from vulnerable backgrounds, to bolster its forces.

According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, which facilitates surrenders and provides information for foreign fighters, Oluwagbemileke had been living in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. He reportedly agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence.

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During an interrogation video released by the legion, Oluwagbemileke, who stated he holds a Russian passport, confirmed he had served with Russian forces for five months. He revealed he was previously imprisoned and joined the military for “quick liberation,” admitting he regrets his decision, pointing to his injuries. “Of course. It’s… broken,” he said, gesturing to his wounds.

He further stated that his family in Nigeria was unaware of his involvement in the war. Prior to joining the military, he worked as an English-to-Russian translator for non-Russian speakers, including individuals from South America, Africa, and China. He mentioned being with four other Africans in his unit, specifically from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, and noted the presence of Chinese fighters.

The “I Want to Live” project claims that Oluwagbemileke is one of “thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine.” The organization stated, “We’ve already published data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but that’s only a small part of the foreigners the Kremlin has sent to die in Ukraine. All of them are cheap manpower, which is not spared.”

This capture follows that of a 24-year-old Chinese citizen, Wang Wu, by the Ukrainian Armed Forces just a week prior, indicating a growing pattern of foreign nationals being found among Russian ranks.

Oluwagbemileke expressed gratitude to the Freedom of Russia Legion for saving his life and providing medical assistance for his wounds.