No fewer than 36 Nigerians were reportedly recruited to fight in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with five confirmed killed, according to a new investigative report.
The report revealed how vulnerable young men were allegedly lured abroad with promises of employment and educational opportunities, only to be coerced into military service.
The report, titled “The Business of Despair: The Russian Army’s Recruiting of African Fighters,” was published in February 2026 by investigative group, All Eyes on Wagner.
It detailed how Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, allegedly turned to African nations to reinforce its military ranks.
Drawing on a database of 1,417 African recruits between 2023 and mid-2025 obtained from Ukrainian sources, the report identified Nigerians among foreign fighters reportedly deployed as “cannon fodder” in high-risk assault operations.
The average age of the African recruits was put at 31, with many reportedly drawn from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Among the confirmed Nigerian fatalities listed in the report are Abdoulaye Issaka Ismael, 27; Agbo Moses Omale, 43; Adamu Abdulai Ismail, 25; Mikael, 47; and Fajobi Taiwo Omoniyi, 50.
The report noted that the overall death toll of African recruits stood at 316 but warned that the figure could be higher, as the list was not exhaustive and additional casualties were identified through social media verification.
The investigation, conducted by the OSINT Accountability Project, uncovered networks allegedly recruiting African fighters for Russia through travel agencies in both Russia and Africa.
These agencies were said to advertise “fast-track procedures” and collaborate with recruiters based in Russia, who contacted potential recruits via Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and TikTok.
According to the report, promotional materials often showcased life in Russia against the backdrop of Moscow skyscrapers or luxury cars, portraying symbols of wealth, power and success.
Nigeria was identified among the targeted countries, alongside South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and Gambia.
The report said recruits were frequently deceived through social media adverts and discounted travel packages promising employment opportunities.
However, upon arrival in Russia, many were allegedly compelled to sign military contracts.
The offers reportedly included signing bonuses of several thousand dollars, monthly salaries ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, higher health insurance for “specialists,” and even facilitated access to Russian citizenship upon completion of contracts.
In reality, the report claimed, many promises went unfulfilled, with fighters reporting unpaid wages, funds allegedly siphoned off by recruiters or superiors, or payments significantly below what was promised.
In 2025, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed that more than 1,400 nationals from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia, with many reportedly held in Ukrainian camps as prisoners of war.
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