Ukraine Reports Deaths of Two Nigerians Fighting for Russia

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate has announced the demise of two Nigerian citizens who were reportedly serving with the Russian forces. The agency stated that the Nigerians were killed during a drone strike in the Luhansk region while attempting to advance on Ukrainian positions in late November.

The identified individuals are Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole, born April 3, 1983, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, born January 7, 1988. According to the intelligence directorate's statement on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the increasing number of African mercenaries dying in the conflict has been noted.

Both men were allegedly part of the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, a unit within the Russian Federation's armed forces. Their contracts with the Russian army were reportedly signed in the latter half of 2025, with Kolawole signing on August 29 and Udoka on September 28.

The report indicates that Udoka was deployed to occupied Ukrainian territory just five days after signing his contract, with no prior training. Information regarding Kolawole's training is unclear, but it is suggested he likely also did not receive military instruction.

Kolawole is reported to have left behind a wife and three children in Nigeria.

The intelligence directorate further clarified that the two Nigerians did not engage in direct combat but were casualties of a drone strike. "Both Nigerians were k!lled in late November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They never engaged in a firefight — the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike,” the statement detailed.

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence issued a warning to foreign nationals, urging them to avoid travelling to Russia or seeking employment there. The agency cautioned that such a journey carries a significant risk of being forced into dangerous combat roles and ultimately meeting a fatal end.

This revelation follows previous denials by Russia regarding any official involvement in the recruitment of Nigerians for the ongoing conflict.