Ukrainian forces capture Nigerian fighting for Russia
A Nigerian man identified as Kehinde Oluwagbemileke has been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, the 29-year-old was apprehended in the Zaporizhzhia region by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a group made up of anti-Kremlin Russian fighters aligned with Ukraine.
Oluwagbemileke had reportedly lived in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. Instead of serving a full sentence, he allegedly agreed to join the Russian army in exchange for a reduced term.
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“He is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the project stated. “We’ve documented nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, though this likely represents only a fraction of the total number. These fighters are seen as expendable manpower.”
Captured after five months of active combat, Oluwagbemileke is among several foreign nationals recently detained by Ukraine while serving in Russian ranks. Just last week, Ukrainian forces also captured a Chinese national, 24-year-old Wang Wu, under similar circumstances.
A video shared by the Freedom of Russia Legion and transcribed using AI by The Guardian reveals parts of an interrogation with Oluwagbemileke. In the footage, he confirms his Russian citizenship and explains that he joined the war effort to secure early release from prison. Speaking in broken English and Russian, he admits to deep regret and says his family in Nigeria is unaware of his involvement in the war.
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Oluwagbemileke, who previously worked as a translator, said he helped bridge the language gap for other non-Russian fighters, including individuals from South America, China, Ghana, and Cameroon. He was one of five African fighters in his unit.
“I am very grateful to the Freedom of Russia Legion for saving my life and providing assistance,” he said as medics treated his wounds on camera.
His capture sheds further light on Russia’s growing reliance on foreign nationals—often from vulnerable backgrounds—to reinforce its military ranks in a protracted and bloody conflict.
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