Benue Police Detain 5 Pakistanis With 35 Phones Amid Security Concerns
By Victor Idajil
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals in possession of 35 mobile phones following separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Aondongu Orchia, disclosed this in a statement issued in Makurdi on Monday.
According to Orchia, the first arrest was made on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. Three men were picked up while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
They were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.
The suspects told police they were in Otukpo to sell cosmetics and mobile gadgets. But officers found none of those items on them.
“Their explanation and movements within the area were suspicious and required further clarification,” Orchia said.
On August 5, operatives moved to a hotel in Ugbokolo and arrested two other Pakistanis: Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25.
The duo claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices.
“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone,” the PPRO added.
All five suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, in Makurdi for further questioning.
The command said the large quantity of phones in the possession of the foreigners raised suspicion that phone trading might be used as a cover for other activities in rural communities.
Orchia also noted that the suspects struggled to communicate in English, which has made interrogation difficult.
He described the arrests as part of the command’s proactive, intelligence-driven approach to identify threats early and prevent crime.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their professionalism and residents whose prompt information helped in the arrests.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the police.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure peace and security across the state,” the CP assured.
