Ukraine announced the discovery of two Nigerian bodies in the Luhansk region. Authorities claimed the men fought for Russia in the four-year war.
Intelligence Agency Reveals Findings
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine issued a statement on February 12, 2026. Operatives found the remains during operations in the area.
The agency identified the deceased as Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka. Kolawole, born on April 3, 1983, signed a contract with Russian forces on August 29, 2025.
Udoka, born on January 7, 1988, enlisted on September 28, 2025. Both men served in the 423rd Guards Motor Rifle Regiment of the 4th Guards Tank Division.
Details of Service Emerge
Documents recovered at the scene confirmed their affiliations. Kolawole left a wife and three children in Nigeria. Udoka left a wife and two children behind.
The intelligence report noted that Udoka arrived in Russian occupied territories five days after signing his contract. Meanwhile both received minimal training before deployment. This highlighted Russia’s rapid recruitment tactics from Africa.
Fatal Assault Described
The men died in late November 2025 during an assault on Ukrainian positions. A drone strike eliminated them before they engaged in combat.
The Ukrainian intelligence stated, “Both Nigerians were killed in late November during an attempt to storm Ukrainian positions in the Luhansk region. They did not engage in a firefight; the mercenaries were eliminated by a drone strike.”
Additionally, the agency declared, “In the Luhansk region, military intelligence operatives discovered the bodies of two citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole (03.04.1983) and Mbah Stephen Udoka (07.01.1988).”
Broader Implications Noted
The incident underscored Russia’s use of foreign mercenaries. Ukraine reported similar cases involving Africans in previous months.Nigerian authorities provided no immediate response to the announcement. The war continued to draw international fighters amid escalating tensions.
