Law enforcement detains five Pakistani nationals in Benue state, seizes 35 mobile devices

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended five Pakistani nationals and seized 35 mobile phones in two separate operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state, following credible intelligence on the foreigners' activities and movements.

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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, three suspects - Younas Mohammad, 36, Ahmad Nunil, 38, and Aslam Muhammad, 46 - were taken into custody on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area, after they attempted to board a vehicle to Adoka village.

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The suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets, but none of these products were found in their possession, raising suspicions about their explanation, activities, and movements in the area, which necessitate further investigation.

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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, based on credible intelligence, and were found to be in possession of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones, which they claimed were part of their Android phone dealership.

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A search of their belongings and subsequent investigation led to the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered devices to 35, which has raised suspicions that the mobile phones could be a decoy for their clandestine activities.

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

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The police have expressed strong suspicions that the possession of the mobile phones could be a cover for the suspects' clandestine activities in rural areas, given their limited ability to speak or understand English.

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The Command has reassured residents that the operations are part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy to identify potential security threats, prevent criminal activities, and safeguard lives and property across the state.

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The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has commended the officers involved in the operations and the members of the public who provided timely information that contributed to the arrests, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the police.

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The Commissioner added that the Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State.