The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals after they were found with 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo.
The suspects were picked up on August 4 and 5 following what the police described as suspicious movements in parts of the state.
Police spokesperson, DSP Aondongu Orchia, disclosed in a statement issued in Makurdi that three of the suspects were arrested at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area, while allegedly preparing to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
They were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.
According to the police, the trio claimed they were in Otukpo to sell cosmetics and mobile gadgets, but officers found none of the items on them.
Their explanation, coupled with their movements in the area, reportedly raised concerns and prompted further investigation.
In a separate operation, two other Pakistanis — Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25 — were arrested at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The police said the duo claimed to be dealers in Android phones, but a search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones.
Further investigation, according to Orchia, led operatives to recover 23 additional Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone.
The five suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for detailed investigation.
The police said they were investigating whether the large number of phones was linked to any clandestine activities in rural communities.
Orchia added that the suspects’ difficulty in speaking or understanding English had made further questioning necessary.
He said the arrests were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to detect potential security threats and prevent criminal activities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved and urged residents to continue providing useful information on suspicious persons and activities.
He assured that the command would continue working with relevant stakeholders to protect lives and property across Benue State.
