A 32-year-old Nigerian engineer, Balogun Adisa Ridwan, previously reported k!lled while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, has been found alive after being captured by Ukrainian forces in January
Ridwan had travelled to Russia in search of employment but was reportedly conscripted into the Russian army. In February, his name appeared in media reports claiming he had been killed alongside three other Nigerians: Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Kuyum, and Abugu Stanley Onyeka.
Earlier accounts suggested that Ridwan was lured to Russia with job promises, forced into military service without proper translation, briefly trained, and deployed to Ukraine near Lyman. He was reportedly captured by Ukrainian troops on January 13, 2026, with subsequent reports claiming he had been killed.
However, Ukrainian media outlet United24Media reported on Monday that Ridwan is alive and being held as a prisoner of war. Ridwan has also confirmed his survival, appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government for assistance in securing his repatriation.
Speaking from captivity to an undercover reporter, Ridwan said he learned he had already been declared dead in Nigeria.
“The day we were signing the contract, I didn’t understand the language,” he said. “They didn’t allow us to use our phones to translate, so we signed our contracts. I told them about my job; maybe they were going to put me in my field. I didn’t know they would use me.”
Ridwan explained that he and another foreign recruit chose to surrender immediately upon encountering Ukrainian forces.
“I was lucky to be captured by the Ukrainians. They are good people. They told us to stand up and go with them. Ukrainians did not harm us; when we got to their base, they welcomed us—gave us clothes, coffee, and kept us warm to calm us. They made sure we were okay and wouldn’t panic. They were really nice to us. I really appreciate that.”
He added that he is seeking permission to return to Nigeria, having travelled abroad strictly in search of civilian employment.
“I travelled to Russia on a tourist visa to find a job. The government of Russia grossly fooled me, turned me into a soldier, and sent me to war in Ukraine. I appeal to my government, to my president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Forgive your son. I left home to feed my family. It did not work out the way I wanted. I went to have a job as a mechanic or engineer. The Russian government totally fooled me,” he said.
Ridwan’s case highlights concerns over Nigerians being misled abroad and involuntarily involved in foreign conflicts, while he awaits government intervention for his safe return.
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