The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones during two intelligence-led operations in the Benue South Senatorial District.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Aondongu, the first operation took place on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. Operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested three men identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. Police said the trio were about to board a vehicle to Adoka village when they were intercepted.
During questioning, the suspects told police they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, officers found none of those items on them, which raised further suspicion about their activities and movements in the area.
In a second operation on August 5, 2026, two other Pakistanis, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were picked up at a hotel in Ugbokolo. The men claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their luggage led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones.
Follow-up investigations yielded more devices. Police recovered an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total seizure to 35 phones.
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DSP Aondongu said all five suspects have been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for discreet and comprehensive investigation into their presence, activities, and movements in the state.
He noted that authorities strongly suspect the phones may be a cover for clandestine activities in rural communities, adding that the suspects have limited proficiency in English.
The Command said the arrests reflect its proactive, intelligence-driven approach to identifying potential threats and protecting lives and property across Benue State.
