Initial Arrests in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations across the Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state. The arrests were triggered by credible intelligence regarding the foreigners' movements and activities, leading to the recovery of 35 mobile phones.

On August 4, 2026, officers intercepted three suspects at the Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. The individuals, identified as 36-year-old Younas Mohammad, 38-year-old Ahmad Nunil, and 46-year-old Aslam Muhammad, were reportedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village at the time of their arrest.

During preliminary questioning, the suspects informed the police that they were in the region to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, noted that no such items were found in their possession, prompting further investigation into their true motives.

Operations in Ugbokolo and Asset Recovery

The following day, August 5, the operation extended to Ugbokolo, where two additional Pakistani nationals were arrested at a local hotel. These suspects, identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, claimed to be dealers in Android mobile devices.

Initial searches of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones. A subsequent operational follow-up resulted in the discovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro units and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of seized devices to 35.

All five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for comprehensive profiling and interrogation. The command noted that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand the English language, which has added a layer of complexity to the initial inquiries.

Investigation of Clandestine Activities

The Benue State Police Command is currently exploring the possibility that the suspects' trading activities were merely a front. DSP Peter Aondongu highlighted the command's concerns regarding the suspects' presence in the state's rural districts.

The Command suspects that the possession of the phones could be a decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state.

— DSP Peter Aondongu, PPRO, Benue State Police Command

The police stated that these operations form part of a proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy designed to identify potential security threats and prevent criminal activities before they escalate. The focus remains on establishing the exact circumstances surrounding the foreigners' presence and movements in the state.

Police Leadership and Public Cooperation

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu has commended the officers involved in the operations and acknowledged the role of the public in providing vital information. He emphasized that community cooperation is essential for maintaining peace and security across the state's diverse local government areas.

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

— Cletus Nwadiogbu, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command

Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police immediately. The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through constant surveillance and community-based intelligence gathering.