Five Pakistani nationals have been arrested in Benue State after police operations uncovered 35 mobile phones.
The arrests happened in Otukpo and Ugbokolo as security operatives investigated the suspects’ activities.
Police said the arrests raised fresh questions about why the men were in the state.
Three suspects were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.
They were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46.
The police said the men were heading to Adoka village when officers stopped them.
They reportedly told investigators they were in Otukpo to sell cosmetics and mobile gadgets.
However, police said none of those items was found with them.
DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the command’s spokesperson, said their explanation required further checks.
“In Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession.
“This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification.”
A separate operation on August 5 led officers to a hotel in Ugbokolo.
There, police arrested Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25.
The two men reportedly said they dealt in Android phones.
A search uncovered 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones from their belongings.
Further police checks reportedly led to 24 more devices.
These included 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60.
“Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional twenty-three (23) Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one (1) Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five (35),” he added.
The five suspects were moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi.
Police said investigations will establish their activities and movements across Benue.
The Benue police arrest remains under investigation, with officers checking whether the phones were linked to other activities.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu urged residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.
“The Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State.
The public will be updated as the investigation progress,” the statement added.
