Ukrainian forces have captured 29-year-old Nigerian national Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was reportedly fighting alongside the Russian military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kehinde was apprehended in the Zaporizhzhia region by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit made up of Russian nationals aligned with Ukrainian forces.
He had been residing in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges and reportedly agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence.
According to reports, more than 200 Africans have enlisted with Ukrainian forces, while estimates indicate that thousands may be fighting on behalf of Russia.
Nigeria ranks highest among African nations with citizens serving as mercenaries in the Ukraine conflict, followed by Algeria and South Africa.
