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Nigerian National Detained After Allegedly Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Reports have emerged that another Nigerian citizen, Balogun Ridwan, has been apprehended by Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. According to Ukrainian news outlet UnitedMedia24, Ridwan was reportedly deceived into joining the Russian military and subsequently captured during combat operations.
Deceptive Recruitment and Forced Military Enlistment
Ridwan’s journey began with a promise of an engineering position in Russia, which motivated his travel. However, upon arrival, he was coerced into signing a military contract written in Russian—a language he could not comprehend. He recounted that recruits were prohibited from using phones to translate the document, leaving them no choice but to sign blindly.
“On the day we signed the contract, I didn’t understand the language. They forbade us from using our phones to translate, so we just signed. I had informed them about my profession, hoping to work in my field, but I never imagined they would deploy me as a soldier,” Ridwan explained.
Brief and Harsh Military Training Before Frontline Deployment
Following his enlistment, Ridwan underwent a short and disorganized training period lasting approximately two weeks. He described the conditions as severe, with recruits’ phones confiscated and minimal preparation provided. He also highlighted the case of another African recruit, Bubaka, who suffered a heart attack during training but was nonetheless sent to the battlefield.
“We trained for only 16 days, not weeks. Bubaka didn’t complete the training due to health issues, yet he was still deployed with us. This was extremely dangerous,” Ridwan stated.
Capture and Current Status
Ridwan was reportedly captured during a Ukrainian offensive on a Russian military base in January. While the exact location and timeline of his deployment remain undisclosed, his capture adds to a growing list of Nigerians involved in the conflict under questionable circumstances. Earlier, some Nigerian media mistakenly reported him dead, grouping him with other Nigerians such as Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, and Abugu Stanley Onyeka, who were allegedly killed after being recruited under the pretense of security jobs.
Appeal for Help and Government Response
Now detained, Ridwan has appealed to the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assistance, emphasizing that he was misled and forced into military service. He explained that his initial intent was to secure employment to support his family, not to engage in warfare.
“I traveled to Russia on a tourist visa seeking a job. The Russian government deceived me, turning me into a soldier and sending me to fight in Ukraine. I beg my government and President Tinubu to forgive me. I left home to provide for my family, but things did not go as planned. I wanted to work as a mechanic or engineer,” Ridwan pleaded.
Broader Context: Nigerians Recruited Under False Pretenses
This incident is part of a wider pattern involving Nigerians reportedly recruited to fight for Russia under misleading conditions. Ukrainian military intelligence recently confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Hamzat Kolawole and Mbah Udoka, who were killed in a drone strike in the Luhansk region in late November 2023.
Investigations by multiple media outlets have uncovered schemes where foreign nationals are enticed to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs, education, or better living standards, only to be conscripted into combat roles upon arrival.
Official Warnings and Precautionary Measures
The Nigerian government has issued stern warnings against participation in foreign conflicts. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has expressed alarm over reports that Nigerians are coerced into signing military contracts in languages they do not understand, often without legal counsel. Additionally, there are claims that travel documents are confiscated upon arrival, and that recruitment intermediaries facilitate travel under tourist or non-military visas.
Authorities continue to urge Nigerian citizens to exercise caution, thoroughly verify overseas employment offers, and avoid recruitment channels linked to armed conflicts abroad to prevent exploitation and endangerment.
