The Benue State Police Command has taken five Pakistani citizens into custody following intelligence operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo. On August 4, 2026, officers apprehended Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil, and Aslam Muhammad at the Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo. Police spokesperson DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu stated that while the men claimed they were selling cosmetics and gadgets, authorities found no such items in their possession, leading to heightened suspicion regarding their motives.
A secondary operation on August 5 resulted in the arrest of Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif at a hotel in Ugbokolo. While these men also claimed to be mobile phone sellers, a search of their belongings uncovered 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of 24 additional handsets, including 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro models and one Infinix Hot 60, totaling 35 recovered phones.
All five individuals are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi. Authorities are examining the purpose of their travel and whether the electronics were linked to broader illicit activities in the region. State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended his officers for the operation and encouraged local residents to continue reporting unusual activity to law enforcement.
