Japa: Nigerians Cry Out for Help After Being Tricked into Fighting in The Russian–Ukraine War

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Nigerians are crying out for help after being tricked into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. Bankole Manchi, a 36-year-old mechanic from Lagos, is one of the victims. He was promised a job earning ₦500,000 monthly but was instead taken to a military camp in Russia.

Manchi says he and other recruits from Nigeria, Ghana, France, Brazil, and China were subjected to intense military training, including weapons handling and night operations. Injured recruits were allegedly forced to continue despite their condition.

He was later moved to Ukrainian territory, where he was shot in the leg and had to survive with minimal food and water. Manchi believes African recruits are being used as “disposable fighters” in a war they never agreed to join.

Similar stories have emerged from Uganda and Kenya, with victims saying they were promised civilian jobs but were instead kept under armed guard. Human rights groups are calling for investigations by African governments, the UN, and international organisations.