The Ukrainian forces have apprehended a 29-year-old Nigerian man, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kehinde was captured by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit composed of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine, in the Zaporizhzhia region.

He had been living in Russia for four years before being arrested on drug-related charges and allegedly agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence.

According to reports, over 200 Africans have joined Ukrainian forces, with estimates suggesting thousands may be fighting for Russia.

Nigeria tops the list of African countries with mercenaries operating in Ukraine, followed by Algeria and South Africa.