Benue: Police arrest 5 Pakistanis, recover 35 phones in intelligence operations

Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of five Pakistani nationals and the recovery of 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-driven operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo.

The command said three of the suspects were apprehended on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area after operatives acted on information received from credible sources. 

The suspects, identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.

According to the police spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the suspects were questioned following their arrest and claimed they had travelled to Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile devices. 

However, the items they mentioned were reportedly not found in their possession.

Aondongu said their explanation raised further concerns about their activities and movements within the area, noting that the suspects stated they were, “In Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession. 

“This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification.”

The police said another operation carried out on August 5 led to the arrest of two more Pakistani nationals at a hotel in Ugbokolo. 

The suspects were identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25.

The two men reportedly told investigators they were involved in the sale of Android phones. 

A search of their belongings, however, resulted in the discovery of eleven Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones.

The two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones. 

A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven (11) Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.

The command said subsequent investigations and operational follow-up led to the discovery of another 24 mobile phones, comprising 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60.

“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional twenty-three (23) Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one (1) Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five (35),” he added.

The five suspects have since been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further questioning and detailed investigation.

Police said investigators were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence in Benue, as well as their activities and movements across the state.

The command added that it was investigating the possibility that the phones were being used as a cover for other activities in rural communities.

Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the officers who participated in the operations and thanked members of the public whose information assisted the Police in making the arrests.

Nwadiogbu also called on residents to stay alert and provide security agencies with timely information about suspicious individuals, movements and activities.

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

The public will be updated as the investigation progress,” the statement added.

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