The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The arrests, according to the command, led to the recovery of 35 mobile phones suspected to be linked to the activities of the suspects.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchiа Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026.
According to the police, three of the suspects — Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil and Aslam Muhammad — were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects were reportedly arrested while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle heading to Adoka village.
During questioning, the three men reportedly told investigators that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.
However, the police said they were unable to find any of the products the suspects claimed to be marketing in their possession, prompting further investigation into their activities and movements.
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In a separate operation conducted on August 5, police operatives arrested two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The two suspects reportedly told investigators that they were dealers in Android mobile phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones, according to the police.
The command said further investigation led to the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60.
This brought the total number of recovered mobile devices to 35.
The police said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and operational activities aimed at identifying and disrupting suspicious activities in the state.
The command is expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence and activities in Benue, while efforts are ongoing to establish the source and intended destination of the recovered phones.
The police also reiterated their commitment to intelligence-led operations and urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspicious activities and preventing crime.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.