Benue Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals, Recover 35 Mobile Phones

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo, recovering 35 mobile phones from the suspects.

The command said the arrests were made as part of efforts to identify potential security threats and prevent criminal activities across the state.

Three of the suspects — Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46 — were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo, while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle heading to Adoka village.

According to the police, the suspects claimed they were in the area to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, officers said no such products were found in their possession, raising concerns over their actual purpose and movements in the area.

The following day, police operatives arrested two other Pakistani nationals, identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.

The two reportedly told investigators that they were Android phone dealers.

Police said 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones were initially recovered from them. Further investigation reportedly led to the discovery of 23 additional Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of recovered devices to 35.

The five suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, for discreet and comprehensive investigations into their activities, movements and reasons for being in the state.

The command said preliminary findings had raised concerns that the phones could have been used as a cover for other activities in rural communities.

Police also noted that the suspects reportedly had limited ability to speak or understand English, which it said had made communication and the investigation more challenging.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus C. N. Nwadioogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations, as well as members of the public whose information contributed to the arrests.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.

The command said the operation was part of its proactive approach to identifying security threats, preventing crime and protecting lives and property.

It added that the public would be updated on the outcome of the investigation as more facts emerge.