Ukrainian forces have captured a 29-year-old Nigerian national, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who was reportedly fighting on the side of the Russian military in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to reports, Kehinde was apprehended in the Zaporizhzhia region by the Freedom of Russia Legion — a paramilitary group made up of Russian nationals who support Ukraine.
It was revealed that Kehinde had been residing in Russia for the past four years before he was arrested on drug-related charges. He allegedly agreed to join the Russian military in return for a reduced prison sentence.
Reports also indicate that while more than 200 Africans have joined Ukrainian forces, thousands more are believed to be fighting for Russia. Nigeria reportedly has the highest number of African mercenaries involved in the conflict, followed by Algeria and South Africa.
