Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals in Benue, Recover 35 Mobile Phones

Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals in Benue, Recover 35 Mobile Phones 

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 . According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested three Pakistani nationals on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area . The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. They were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village . During preliminary questioning, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, police noted that none of the items they claimed to be selling was found in their possession, raising questions about their activities and movements in the area .

In a separate operation on August 5, 2026, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence . The two suspects reportedly told investigators they were dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones . 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 mobile devices to 35 .

The police disclosed that the five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities, and movements within the state . The Command stated that it strongly suspects the possession of the mobile phones is a decoy for clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state, noting that this is even more probable as the suspects have limited proficiency in speaking or understanding English . The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests . He further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the Police, pledging that the Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State . The Command reassured the public that the operations form 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 .

Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals in Benue, Recover 35 Mobile Phones