Reports have emerged of a Nigerian national, 29-year old Kehinde Oluwagbemike, allegedly fighting as a mercenary for Russian forces, being captured in Ukraine. It turned out he had lived in Russia for four years and heavily involved in drug trafficking.
After his arrest, he was offered a deal: join the special military operation instead of serving time under Article 228 of the criminal code.
While the Nigerian government has consistently maintained a stance against its citizens participating in foreign conflicts, this reported capture shows the ongoing concern about persons from various nations joining the ranks of combatants in the protracted conflict.
Although the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have yet issued an official statement confirming the capture. However, if confirmed by the nigerian government, this incident could raise diplomatic questions regarding the complexities of international involvement in the ongoing war.
Further information is awaited as the situation develops.
