Nigerian Engineer Previously Reported Dead In Ukraine Found Alive, Appeals To Tinubu For Repatriation

A 32-year-old Nigerian engineer, Balogun Adisa Ridwan, previously reported dead while fighting for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, has been found alive after being captured by Ukrainian forces in January.

Ridwan had travelled to Russia seeking employment but was reportedly conscripted into the Russian army. In February, media reports circulated claiming he had been killed alongside three other Nigerians: Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Kuyum, and Abugu Stanley Onyeka.

According to earlier accounts, Ridwan was lured to Russia with promises of a civilian job, forced into military service without proper translation, briefly trained, and deployed to Ukraine near Lyman. He was captured by Ukrainian troops on January 13, 2026, with initial reports wrongly stating he had been killed.

However, Ukrainian media outlet United24Media confirmed on Monday that Ridwan is alive as a prisoner of war. He has since appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government for help with repatriation.

Speaking from captivity, Ridwan revealed he was shocked to learn he had 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 the contracts. I told them about my job, thinking maybe they would put me in my field. I didn’t know they would use me in the military.”

Ridwan explained that he and another foreign recruit decided to surrender immediately when they encountered Ukrainian forces.

“I was lucky to be captured by the Ukrainians. They treated us well—giving us clothes, coffee, and a warm place to calm down. They made sure we were okay and didn’t panic. I really appreciate that,” he said.

He added that he travelled to Russia solely to find civilian work and wants to return home safely.

“I went to Russia on a tourist visa to find a job. The Russian government deceived me, forced me into military service, and sent me to war in Ukraine. I appeal to my government, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Forgive your son. I left home to support my family. I wanted a job as a mechanic or engineer, but it turned out this way. The Russian government completely fooled me,” he said.

Ridwan’s story highlights the dangers Nigerians may face abroad and the urgent need for government intervention to secure his safe return.