By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo and recovered 35 mobile phones, according to the command.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, the command said three suspects were arrested at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammed, 36; Ahmed Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. Police said they were intercepted while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
According to the statement, the suspects told investigators they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets, but police said the items were not found in their possession, prompting further investigation into their activities and movements.
In a separate operation on August 5, police said two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Shrif, 30, and Muhammed Sherif, 25, were arrested at a hotel in Ugbokolo following intelligence received by the command.
Police said the suspects identified themselves as dealers in Android phones and that a search of their belongings led to the recovery of 35 mobile phones, including Tecno Camon and 50 Pro models.The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation. The command said the operations formed part of its intelligence-led policing strategy to identify potential security threats, prevent crime and protect lives and property.
