Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Mercenary in Russia

Captured Nigerian Mercenary Reveals Harrowing Tale of War in Ukraine

A Nigerian national, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, has been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 29-year-old was reportedly apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a group composed of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine. This incident took place in the Zaporizhzhia region after Oluwagbemileke had served with Russian forces for five months.

Before his capture, Oluwagbemileke had been living in Russia for four years. He was arrested on drug-related charges and later agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence. Instead of serving time under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code, he chose to fight in Ukraine. According to the organization, Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defense Ministry to participate in the war.

The project has already documented data on nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries, but this number represents only a fraction of the foreigners the Kremlin has sent to fight in Ukraine. These individuals are described as cheap manpower, often used as expendable resources in the conflict.

A New Capture: A Chinese Soldier

A week prior to Oluwagbemileke’s capture, the Ukrainian Armed Forces detained another foreign soldier—a Chinese citizen named Wang Wu. This highlights the growing presence of international fighters in the war, raising concerns about the recruitment tactics employed by Russian authorities.

Interview with Kehinde Oluwagbemileke

An interview conducted by the Freedom of Russia Legion, transcribed using AI technology, provides insight into Oluwagbemileke’s experiences. During the interrogation, he confirmed that he holds a Russian passport and joined the military campaign, known as the Special Military Operation (SVO), after being released from prison.

Oluwagbemileke explained that he went to war for “quick liberation” and admitted to having regrets. He mentioned that his family in Nigeria is unaware of his involvement in the conflict. He also revealed that he had previously worked as a translator, converting English to Russian for non-Russian speakers, including people from South America, Africa, and China.

Diverse Backgrounds of Foreign Fighters

The conversation highlighted the diversity of the foreign fighters involved in the war. Oluwagbemileke noted that there were several Chinese and African soldiers, including individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. When asked about his motivation for coming to Russia, he described it as an “adventure.”

During the interview, a medic administered an antibiotic to treat his wounds, which Oluwagbemileke acknowledged with gratitude. He expressed deep appreciation for the assistance provided by the Freedom of Russia Legion, acknowledging their role in saving his life.

Broader Implications

The capture of Oluwagbemileke and other foreign fighters underscores the complex nature of the conflict in Ukraine. It reveals how Russian authorities are leveraging criminal justice systems to recruit individuals from various backgrounds, offering them a chance at freedom in exchange for service in the war.

This situation raises ethical questions about the use of foreign mercenaries and the conditions under which they are deployed. As the war continues, the stories of these individuals serve as a reminder of the human cost and the global dimensions of the conflict.