Victims from Nigeria and other African countries are coming forward with shocking allegations of deception, detention, and forced recruitment into Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine. These individuals, mostly young men, were lured to Russia with promises of well-paying civilian jobs, only to be coerced into fighting on the frontlines.
One such victim, Bankole Manchi, a 36-year-old Nigerian automobile mechanic, shared his harrowing experience in a video testimony. He was promised a monthly income of ₦500,000 to work in Russia, but was instead taken to a military-style camp and forced to undergo training with recruits from other countries, including Ghana, France, Brazil, and China.
Manchi and other victims claim they were subjected to poor living conditions, language barriers, and brutal treatment. Many were forced to sign contracts without understanding the contents, and were threatened or coerced into fighting.
The alleged recruitment network, involving a Russian company, ST3 Metal LLC, has been accused of targeting young Africans and exploiting their desperation for economic opportunities. Researcher Sholla Ard claims to have obtained recruitment letters, visas, and agreements signed under pressure, alongside records of missing persons and alleged combat deaths.
African governments and human rights groups are calling for urgent investigations and action to protect their citizens from these alleged human trafficking and forced recruitment practices. The Russian government has not officially responded to these allegations.
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