Benue: Police arrest 5 Pakistanis, recover 35 phones in intelligence operations
Benue State Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals, Recover 35 Mobile Phones
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and seized 35 mobile phones during various intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo.
On August 4, police apprehended three suspects—Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46—at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. The arrests followed credible information received by law enforcement officials.
The suspects were intercepted as they attempted to board a vehicle bound for Adoka village. According to police spokesperson DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the individuals claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile devices, though no such items were found in their possession.
“This discrepancy raised concerns about their activities and movements in the area,” Aondongu said, emphasizing that the suspects’ explanations required further investigation.
A subsequent operation on August 5 resulted in the arrest of two additional Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a hotel in Ugbokolo. During questioning, they claimed to be involved in the sale of Android phones. Authorities discovered 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones among their belongings.
Further investigations led to the recovery of an additional 24 mobile phones, including 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of seized phones to 35.
The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for detailed questioning. Law enforcement is currently working to ascertain the context of the suspects’ presence in Benue and their activities within the state. Authorities are also exploring the possibility that the phones were part of a cover for other illicit activities in rural communities.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the officers involved in the operations and expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to security agencies.
“The Command will continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders and the public to ensure peace and security across Benue State,” Nwadiogbu stated. Updates on the investigation will be provided as new information arises.
