By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.

The arrests, according to the Command, followed credible intelligence received on the activities and movements of the foreigners in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement, saying three of the suspects were arrested on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA.

Those arrested were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.

Aondongu said the suspects were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village, adding that they told the police during preliminary questioning that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.

He, however, said none of the claimed products was found in their possession, making their explanation, activities and movements in the area suspicious and requiring further investigation.

In a separate operation on August 5, the PPRO said two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were also arrested at a hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence.

According to him, the two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones, but a search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.

He said further investigation and operational follow-up led to the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered devices to 35.

The Command said the five suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Makurdi, where “discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing” to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements within the state.

The police said it was strongly suspected that the possession of the mobile phones could be a “decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state,” noting that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand English.

The Command reassured residents that the operations were part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations as well as members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.

“The Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State,” he added.