Police Arrest Five Pakistanis, Recover 35 Phones in Benue

The command said it suspected that the phones could have been used as a “decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state.” It also noted that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand English.

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

The arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities and movements of the foreigners in the state, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said in a statement.

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

According to the police, the suspects told investigators during preliminary questioning that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.

However, none of the claimed products was found in their possession, prompting the police to describe their explanation, activities and movements as suspicious and requiring further investigation.

In a separate operation on August 5, two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence.

The two reportedly claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro 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, bringing the total number of recovered devices to 35.

The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements in the state.

The command said it suspected that the phones could have been used as a “decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state.” It also noted that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand English.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose information contributed to the arrests.

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

Nwadiogbu assured residents that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and the public to prevent criminal activities and safeguard lives and property across Benue State.