The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo. The Pakistani nationals arrested were reportedly linked to suspicious activities and movements within the state. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said three of the suspects were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. According to Aondongu, the trio were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle heading towards Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, 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. The Command said this raised questions about their activities and movements, prompting further investigation.
In a separate operation on August 5, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals at a hotel in Ugbokolo. The suspects were identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25. Aondongu said the two men claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings, however, led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones. Further operational follow-up reportedly resulted in the recovery of another 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices. One Infinix Hot 60 phone was also recovered. The recoveries brought the total number of mobile phones seized from the suspects to 35.
The five Pakistani nationals arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi. The Command said discreet and comprehensive investigations were ongoing. According to the police, investigators are seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence, activities and movements in Benue.
The Command also expressed suspicion that possession of the phones could have been used as a cover for other activities in rural communities. It noted that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand English. However, the police did not state that the suspects had been charged with any offence.
The Benue State Police Command said the operations formed part of its proactive intelligence-led policing strategy. The strategy, according to the Command, is aimed at identifying potential security threats and preventing criminal activities. It also assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property across the state. Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations. He also acknowledged members of the public whose information reportedly contributed to the arrests.
Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies. He assured the public that the Command would continue working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Benue State.
