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.”
Heading 5
ADC directs members to continue campaign amid ruling nullifying party’s leadership
Mr Osunbor said the party remained on solid legal ground
States
COAS inaugurates 40 affordable homes for soldiers in Benin
Mr Shaibu said decent and affordable accommodation for soldiers and their families remained central to his Soldier-First command philosophy.
NationWide
Baze University acquires two training aircraft for aviation school
Mr Baba-Ahmed said this milestone would significantly advance national development and boost capacity in the aviation sector.
States
Customs hand over LPG consignment intercepted at Akwa Ibom to NMDPRA
Ms Okor-Odey described the handover as a practical demonstration of inter-agency cooperation and regulatory responsibility.
NationWide
Aviation unions oppose FG’s plan to abolish 5% ticket, cargo sales charges
Mr Ocheme said that any review of aviation charges must follow transparent statutory procedures.
States
NAFDAC warns Imo patent medicine dealers against selling fake, expired drugs
According to the NAFDAC boss, commercial interests must never justify endangering public health.
