In a tragic development, Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate has confirmed that two Nigerian nationals, Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka, were killed during a drone strike in the Luhansk region. The incident, which took place in eastern Ukraine, is believed to have occurred amidst the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
The two Nigerians were reportedly serving as mercenaries for the Russian military, a fact that has raised concerns over foreign involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian intelligence officials have not disclosed further details on the nature of their involvement with the
Russian forces, but sources suggest they were operating within military ranks.Ukraine Intelligence Directorate has not only verified the deaths but also shared this update through its official channels. The report noted that the drone strike was part of a series of targeted operations aimed at weakening Russian positions in the region, particularly in areas with a significant foreign mercenary presence.
While both men’s identities were initially obscured, further investigations and communications with Nigerian authorities have corroborated their backgrounds and the circumstances of their deaths. The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response but is expected to launch an inquiry into the matter.
