Police Crack Down on Suspected Clandestine Activities in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.
The command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said three of the suspects were arrested on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
According to the police, the suspects told investigators during preliminary questioning that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets. However, the command said none of the items was found in their possession, raising questions about their activities and movements in the area.
In a separate operation conducted on August 5, two other Pakistani nationals, identified as Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a hotel in Ugbokolo following what the police described as credible intelligence.
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, while further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60.
The police said the recoveries brought the total number of mobile phones seized from the five suspects to 35.
The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, for discreet and comprehensive investigation into their presence, activities and movements within the state.
The command said it suspects that the mobile phones could have been used as a cover for clandestine activities in rural parts of the state, stressing that the ongoing investigation would establish the true circumstances surrounding their activities.
The police also noted that the suspects had limited ability to speak or understand English, which it said had further complicated preliminary inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, 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 and activities to the police.
The command said the operations formed part of its proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing criminal activities and protecting lives and property across the state.
It added that it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security in Benue, assuring that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.