Police in Benue State have detained five Pakistani nationals following intelligence reports concerning their activities in Otukpo and Okpokwu Local Government Areas.
The suspects were arrested during separate operations carried out on August 4 and 5, 2026.
Police said 35 mobile phones were recovered during the investigation.
Three of the suspects, Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil and Aslam Muhammad, were arrested at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo while preparing to travel to Adoka village.
During preliminary questioning, they reportedly told investigators that they were marketing cosmetics and mobile devices.
Police said no products matching the initial explanation were found in their possession at the time, prompting further inquiries.
The following day, officers arrested two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The two reportedly identified themselves as mobile phone dealers.
A search of their belongings produced 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices.
Further investigation led to the recovery of another 23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of devices recovered to 35.
The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi.
Police said investigators were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding their presence and activities in the state.
Authorities also said they were examining whether the mobile phone business was connected to any other activity.
The command stressed that investigations remained ongoing and that no final conclusion had been reached.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadioogbu praised officers involved in the arrests and members of the public who supplied information.
He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities while assuring them that the police would continue investigating potential threats in accordance with the law.
