Adam Mohammad Bakur Mohammad Ibrahim, a 24-year-old Nigerian, joined the Skif Cossack battalion in November 2023 under the call sign ‘Vanka,’ participating in special military operations (SVO) with the unit.
In December 2023, Russian media spotlighted Ibrahim’s role in capturing a Ukrainian soldier, as reported by RT, showing footage of the event.
After completing his six-month contract, Ibrahim returned to Voronezh, where he had previously studied at the Academy of Sports. He aimed to resume his studies and obtain Russian citizenship but faced difficulties in acquiring a Russian passport.
Ibrahim sought help from RT, sharing his journey that began in September 2023 when he enrolled at the Voronezh State Academy of Sports. By November 2023, with the academy’s permission, he took a leave of absence to volunteer for military service in Russia’s Northern Military District.
As a non-Russian citizen, Ibrahim couldn’t directly contract with the Ministry of Defense. Instead, he used a legal provision allowing foreign nationals to support Russian military efforts through agreements with authorized organizations. He joined the Skif Cossack battalion, part of the Terek Cossack brigade, serving as a shooter and later training as a UAV operator.
During his deployment, Ibrahim participated in combat missions in the Soledar region, earning commendations for bravery and discipline from the Skif DRO chief of staff. His service record highlighted his contributions to operations aimed at denazification and demilitarization in Ukraine.
Upon completing his contract on May 4, 2024, Ibrahim returned to Voronezh, hoping to continue his education and secure Russian citizenship under President Vladimir Putin’s Decree No. 10, which, effective from January 4, 2024, facilitates simplified citizenship for foreign military service members.
Despite his eligibility under the decree, Ibrahim has encountered bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining Russian citizenship. His attempts to navigate the process at the Voronezh EMC have been unsuccessful. With the potential for legal repercussions in Nigeria for his volunteer activities, Ibrahim remains in Voronezh, uncertain about his future citizenship status.