By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The arrests were made on August 4 and 5, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the Command, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu.
The statement said three of the suspects — Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46 — were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.
According to the Command, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle heading to Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly told the police that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, the police said none of the items was found in their possession, prompting further questions about their activities and movements in the area.
In a separate operation on August 5, operatives arrested two other Pakistani nationals, identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a hotel in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The police said the two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones, the statement said.
The Command added that further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in 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 five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements in the state.
The police said investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the possession of the mobile phones and other aspects of the suspects’ activities.
The Command noted that the investigation was particularly necessary given the communication difficulties encountered with some of the suspects, who, according to the police, have limited ability to speak or understand English.
The Benue State Police Command said the operations formed part of its proactive and intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing criminal activities and protecting lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved in the operations and 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 also pledged continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State, assuring that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
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