Benue Police Nab Five Pakistani Suspects, Seize 35 Mobile Phones

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the apprehension of five Pakistani nationals following distinct intelligence-driven operations carried out in the Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state. DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the command’s spokesperson, released a statement on Friday, August 7, 2026, announcing the recovery of thirty-five mobile phones from the individuals.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, the initial arrests occurred on August 4 when three suspects—Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil, and Aslam Muhammad—were taken into custody at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. They were reportedly attempting to board a vehicle destined for Adoka village. The individuals claimed their presence in Otukpo was for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, law enforcement officials noted that no such products were found in their possession, casting doubt on their stated activities and movements.

In a separate operation conducted on August 5, police operatives arrested two more Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif, at a hotel located in Ugbokolo. These two suspects purported to be dealers in Android phones. A subsequent search of their personal effects yielded eleven Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones. Further investigative efforts led to the discovery of an additional twenty-three Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of recovered mobile devices to thirty-five.

DSP Aondongu's statement reiterated, "The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered thirty-five (35) mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas." The statement detailed the August 4 arrests: "On 4th August 2026, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village."

It further explained, "During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession. This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification." Regarding the second operation, the statement noted, "In a separate operation on 5th August 2026, two other Pakistanis, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence received by the Police."

The police added, "The two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven (11) Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones. Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional twenty-three (23) Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one (1) Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five (35)."

All five suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi, where thorough and discreet investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding their presence, activities, and movements within Benue State. Authorities strongly suspect that the large quantity of mobile phones might serve as a cover for undisclosed activities in the state’s rural areas, an suspicion heightened by their limited proficiency in English.

Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP CLETUS C. N. NWADIOGBU, psc(+), mnips, PhD, lauded the officers involved and members of the public whose timely intelligence facilitated the arrests. He urged residents to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspicious individuals, movements, or activities to the police, assuring the public that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.