The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The arrests, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the command on Saturday.
Three of the suspects were intercepted at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle heading to Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, the police said no such items were found in their possession.
In a separate operation at a local hotel in Ugbokolo, two other Pakistani nationals were arrested following intelligence received by the command.
The two suspects reportedly claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.
Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of 23 additional Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone.
The recovery brought the total number of mobile phones seized from the suspects to 35.
The police said the five suspects, who could not communicate fluently in English, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
According to the command, investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence in Benue and determine the purpose of the mobile phones recovered from them.
The police said the possession of the phones was suspected to be a possible decoy for clandestine activities in rural areas of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus, commended the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide the police with credible information that could assist in preventing crime and other security threats across
