The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistan nationals and recovered thirty-five (35) mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas.
A Statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, indicates, that operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area.
The suspects, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets, none of which were found in their possession.
In a separate operation, two other Pakistanis were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following credible intelligence received by the Police.
The two suspects claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven (11) Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.
Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of 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).
The five suspects, who could not speak English fluently, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the State.
It is strongly suspected that the possession of those mobile phones is a decoy for their clandestine activities in the rural areas of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus commends the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests and urges residents to remain vigilant.
