Balogun Ridwan, previously reported dead in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has been found alive after being captured by Ukrainian forces.
Mr. Ridwan was captured by Ukrainian forces near Lyman in the Donetsk region after being sent to the front lines under false pretenses while seeking employment in Russia.
His name circulated in media reports earlier in February alongside those of Adam Anas, Akinlawon Kuyum and Abugu Onyeka, with claims that they had died after being recruited under misleading promises.
According to Ridwan, he travelled to Russia on a tourist visa, intending to find work as a mechanic or engineer.
Instead, he was taken to a military base, where he signed documents he could not understand due to language barriers.
“The day we were signing the contract, I didn’t understand the language. They didn’t allow us to use our phones to translate, so we signed our contracts. I told them already about my job. Maybe they were going to put me in my field. I didn’t know they would use me,” he said.
After being deployed near Lyman, Ridwan and another foreign recruit surrendered immediately upon encountering Ukrainian troops.
He described his treatment in custody as humane, stating that Ukrainian soldiers provided clothing, shelter and food, which he said ultimately saved his life.
“I was lucky to be captured by the Ukrainians. They did not harm us or hurt us. They were really nice to us. I really appreciate that,” he said.
Now confirmed alive, Ridwan is seeking permission to return to Nigeria. He insists he was misled into military service and stresses that he travelled abroad strictly to find 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,” he said.
“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.”
Ridwan described the brief training he received as disorganised, with confiscated phones and little explanation of deployment orders.
He said he was sent to the battlefield with instructions to obey orders for several weeks before surrendering to Ukrainian troops.
Ridwan, 32, continues to appeal to the Nigerian government for help, insisting he acted in pursuit of legitimate employment and was deceived into joining Russia’s military.
