The burning question on people’s lips is: ‘Nee Idibia?’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that Ukraine had captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia.

‘Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army,’ he claimed in a post on Telegram today.

‘This happened on the territory of Ukraine – in the Donetsk region. There are documents of these prisoners, bank cards, personal data.’

He said Ukraine had information that there were ‘significantly more Chinese citizens’ still among the Russian units, adding: ‘We are currently clarifying all the facts.’

Zelensky said he had asked his Foreign Minister to contact Beijing ‘and find out how China is going to react to this’.

‘Russia’s involvement, directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything, except end the war. He is looking for a way to continue fighting,’ he said, calling on the U.S. and Europe to ‘react’.

Video purported to show Chinese citizens detained after fighting for Russia

Zelensky said they had reason to believe there were ‘significantly more’ in the Russian ranks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses a press conference in Kyiv, April 4, 2025

Zelensky said that the prisoners were currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.

‘Relevant investigative and operational actions are underway.’

If confirmed, the presence of Chinese soldiers on the battlefield would be a major development in the three-year invasion.

Russia was last year accused of drawing in some 12,000 North Korean troops after Ukraine launched a stunning counteroffensive into Kursk and Belgorod.

Hundreds of Yemeni mercenaries were then claimed to have been press-ganged into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, having been lured in with the promise of well-paid work and Russian citizenship.

Some said they were tricked into joining after signing enlistment contracts they could not read, and were told they would be working in lucrative fields like engineering.

When they arrived in Russia, a recruit said a man fired a pistol above their heads and ordered them to sign a contract before they were taken to Ukraine on buses.

Nepal and Sri Lanka also had to warn their people not to be lured in by false promises as it emerged hundreds of their citizens had joined the Russian invasion as mercenaries.

A Ukrainian howitzer fires towards Russian troops on the Donetsk frontline, on April 6, 2025

The ruined town of Maryinka, in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on April 1, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

PLATEAU KILLINGS: IGP ORDERS IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT OF ASSETS, TACTICAL SQUADS.

As IGP Directs DIG Operations To Proceed To Plateau State.

In response to the deeply troubling series of attacks and killings that have plagued some communities of Plateau State since March 28, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has ordered the immediate and comprehensive deployment of police tactical assets to the affected areas of the state. This decisive action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restoring peace, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.

The IGP has specifically tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations (DIG DOPs), DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu , mni., to lead and coordinate this critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialized platoons from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS). These resources will be strategically deployed to conduct special operations aimed at effectively curbing the incessant attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) and surrounding communities, which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others. This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks.

Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State. The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings.

The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region. The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

9TH APRIL 2025