The command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026.
According to the police, three of the suspects — Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46 — were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
The suspects reportedly told investigators that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, police said none of the products they claimed to be marketing was found in their possession, prompting further questions about their activities and movements.
In a separate operation the following day, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals, identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a hotel in Ugbokolo following what the command described as credible intelligence.
The two men reportedly told police they were dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.
Police said further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of recovered phones to 35.
The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi, where the police said discreet and comprehensive investigations are under way to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements in the state.
The command said it suspects the mobile phones may have been used as a cover for other activities in rural parts of Benue, although no specific criminal activity has been established against the suspects.
Police also cited the suspects’ reported difficulty speaking or understanding English as part of the circumstances requiring further investigation.
The command said the arrests formed part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing crime and protecting lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose information contributed to the arrests.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.
Nwadiogbu also assured residents that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State.
The command said the public would be updated as the investigation progresses.
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