Ukraine announces killing of Nigerian Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor fighting as Russian mercenary
The Ukrainian authorities have announced the elimination of a Nigerian, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, fighting as a mercenary for Russia.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in a statement on Thursday, said “Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor, born on April 28, 1992, was eliminated in combat against the Defence Forces of Ukraine in Kharkiv region near the settlement of Hrafske.”
It added, “The mercenary was a resident of Ilutitun, Ondo State. His story is typical of many recruits: deception, promises of “easy money,” a week of training, deployment to the front line, and a rapid death.”
The Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence posted photos of slain Mr Victor in Russian army fatigue and a photo of his passport, stating that the slain Nigerian mercenary entered a contract with Russia despite official warning from the Nigerian government.
“Notably, Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor signed a contract in late February 2026 — just one week after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially expressed serious concern on February 15 over cases of illegal recruitment of Nigerian citizens for participation in foreign-armed conflicts,” DIU said.
According to DIU, at least 215 Nigerians have signed contracts with the Russian ministry of defense, fighting as macenaries for Russia.
“The DIU calls on Nigerian citizens to resist kremlin recruiters, stop the recruitment of their compatriots into the criminal war against Ukraine,” Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated.
In April, At least 16 Cameroonians serving as military mercenaries for Russia were killed in the warfront with Ukraine.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Extreme heat threatens pregnancy, birth safety, warns UN
UN Climate Change chief warns that extreme heat is emerging as a potentially fatal threat to pregnant women, newborns and maternal healthcare systems.
Education
Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda transforming Edo education, says deputy governor
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa says the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is prioritising education and taking steps to improve teaching and learning.
States
Benue: SEMA deploys divers in search of Buruku boat passengers
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency deployed local divers to search for the remaining missing persons after a boat capsized.
Politics
Gov Yusuf condoles KAROTA deputy MD over mother’s death
Ms Alhassan died Sunday after a brief illness. She was 75. She had seven children. Mr Aranposu was her second child.
World
Spanish PM Sánchez calls early election for November 29
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said he would call an early election on November 29, bringing forward a vote scheduled for April 2027.
Hot news Home top
OPEC decries rising attacks on global energy infrastructure
The OPEC Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee expressed concern about rising attacks on energy infrastructure, saying restoring capacity would take time and resources.
