Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, confirmed.
Three suspects were apprehended on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area after operatives acted on credible information. They were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. The men were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle bound for Adoka village. During questioning, they claimed to have travelled to Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile devices, but none of those items were found in their possession. Aondongu said the discrepancy made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring further clarification.
A second operation on August 5 led to the arrest of two more Pakistani nationals at a hotel in Ugbokolo. Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, told investigators they were involved in the sale of Android phones. A search of their belongings yielded 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro handsets. Subsequent investigative follow-up uncovered an additional 24 phones — 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60 — bringing the total recovered to 35.
All five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for detailed interrogation. Police said investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in Benue, their movements across the state, and whether the phones were being used as a cover for other activities in rural communities.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the officers involved and thanked members of the public whose information aided the arrests. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals, movements and activities to security agencies. “The Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State,” Nwadiogbu said, adding that the public will be updated as the investigation progresses.
