The Russian government has dismissed claims that it is recruiting Nigerians to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating clearly that there is no state-sponsored initiative aimed at enlisting foreign fighters from Nigeria.
Russia began its large-scale military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict widely regarded as Europe’s most severe war since World War II.
The denial comes after reports alleged that four Nigerians — Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka and Balogun Ridwan Adisa — lost their lives while fighting on the Ukrainian battlefield.
According to the report, the individuals were allegedly lured with promises of “security-related jobs” but were later absorbed into the Russian military following approximately three weeks of training. The report claimed the Nigerians died on separate dates between December 2025 and January 2026.
It was further alleged that information about their deaths surfaced through a private WhatsApp group reportedly created by African fighters involved in the conflict.
The report also accused the Russian Embassy in Abuja of issuing the men single-entry tourist visas without biometric data capture or full adherence to standard visa procedures.
Additionally, the Nigerians were said to have been promised a monthly wage of 200,000 roubles — estimated at about ₦3.6 million — alongside allowances and other benefits. However, upon arrival in Russia, they were allegedly compelled into military service, given limited training, and sent to frontline combat zones.
The report further alleged that the recruits were forced to sign military contracts written in Russian without legal counsel or proper translation, while some claimed their passports were seized, preventing any possibility of escape.
Russian Ambassador Responds
Reacting to the allegations, Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, denied any involvement by the Russian government in recruiting Nigerians for the war.
“There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If illegal groups or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting independently and not on behalf of the Russian state,” he said in Abuja on Tuesday.
Podyolyshev stated that Russian authorities were open to investigating any credible evidence related to the claims.
“If anyone possesses verifiable information, we are prepared to forward it to Russian law enforcement agencies for investigation,” he added.
The ambassador also criticised Western media reports suggesting Nigerians were deceived into joining the conflict, arguing that such narratives were designed to portray Russia negatively.
“You are relying on Western sources whose goal is to demonise Russia. Journalists should come to Russia to see the real situation firsthand,” he said.
While acknowledging that some Nigerians may be present in the conflict zone, Podyolyshev maintained that their involvement was not supported by any official Russian policy.
Beyond the controversy, the ambassador called for renewed economic cooperation between Nigeria and Russia, noting that the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation had not met in nearly a decade.
He also praised Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and the African Union, highlighting its peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Podyolyshev further revealed that both countries were exploring long-term partnerships in areas such as nuclear energy.
Russia has described its invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, as a “special military operation.” Since then, the conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, significant loss of life and the displacement of millions.
