The paraded suspects
Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-led operations carried out in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the arrests followed actionable intelligence received by security operatives.
According to the statement, the first operation took place at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area, where police operatives intercepted three Pakistani nationals who were allegedly preparing to board a vehicle bound for Adoka community.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed they had travelled to Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, officers reportedly found none of the items they claimed to be selling in their possession, raising further suspicion.
In a separate operation in Ugbokolo, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals at a local hotel after acting on fresh intelligence.
The pair told investigators they were involved in the business of selling Android phones. A search conducted by the operatives led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro smartphones.
Police said follow-up investigations later uncovered an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60 smartphone, increasing the total number of recovered phones to 35.
The five foreign nationals, who were said to have limited proficiency in English, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.
The police said detectives are working to establish the true purpose of the suspects’ presence in Benue State, adding that investigators suspect the mobile phones may have been used as a cover for undisclosed activities in rural communities.
Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus, praised the officers who carried out the operations and commended residents whose timely information aided the arrests.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain alert and continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent crime and enhance public safety.
