- Two Nigerians killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine
- Ukraine intelligence identified the deceased fighters
- Both reportedly joined the Russian army in 2025
- No record of military training before deployment
Two Nigerians have been confirmed dead after fighting for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war, according to a statement released by Ukraine Defence Intelligence. The intelligence agency said the men were recruited into the Russian army and later deployed to occupied areas of Ukraine, where they were killed during combat operations.
Ukrainian authorities identified the deceased Nigerians as Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole, aged 42, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, aged 38.
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According to the statement, both men served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya Tank Division of the armed forces of the Russia.
Ukraine’s defence intelligence disclosed that Kolawole signed his contract with the Russian army on August 29, 2025, while Udoka enlisted a month later, on September 28, 2025.
Udoka was reportedly sent to the frontlines just five days after signing his contract, without undergoing any formal military training.
“Udoka had no documented military training before deployment and was immediately assigned to combat units in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the statement said.
For Kolawole, intelligence officials noted that no training records were found, adding that it was “highly likely” he also received no military preparation before deployment.
The statement further revealed that Kolawole is survived by his wife and three children, who are currently living in Nigeria.
The incident adds to a growing list of foreign nationals reportedly recruited by Russia to fight in the Ukraine conflict, raising fresh concerns about the risks faced by undocumented and untrained recruits.
