The Benue State police command says it arrested five Pakistani nationals with 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Aondongu Orchia, made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi.

Mr Orchia said three suspects were arrested on August 4 at Adoka motor park, Otukpo Local Government Area, while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.

He identified them as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.

According to him, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets, but none of the items was found in their possession.

He said their explanation and movements within the area were suspicious and required further clarification.

Mr Orchia said two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested on August 5 at a local hotel in Ugbokolo.

He said the two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones, adding that a search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones.

“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone,” he said.

Mr Orchia said the five suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, for further investigation.

The police spokesperson said the command suspected that possessing the phones could be a decoy for clandestine activities in rural areas of the state.

He added that the suspects had difficulty speaking or understanding English, which necessitated further detailed investigation.

Mr Orchia said the operations formed part of the command’s proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy to identify potential security threats, prevent criminal activities and safeguard lives and property.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their professionalism and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests.

Mr Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.

He assured the public that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across the state.

(NAN)