Police Arrest Five Foreign Nationals, Recover 35 Smartphones in Intelligence Raid in Benue -

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five foreign nationals and recovered a total of 35 mobile phones during intelligence-led operations carried out in Otukpo and Ugbokolo communities.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, three of the suspects were apprehended on August 4, 2026, at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The suspects identified as Younas Mohammad (36), Ahmad Nunil (38), and Aslam Muhammad (46) were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle.

Preliminary questioning revealed that the suspects claimed they were in the area to market cosmetics and mobile devices. However, security operatives found none of the items in their possession, raising suspicions about their mission and activities within the community.

In a separate operation conducted on August 5, police operatives arrested two additional suspects, Juma Sharif (30) and Muhammed Sharif (25), at a hotel in Ugbokolo. The duo also claimed to be mobile phone dealers.

A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven Tecno Camon 50 Pro smartphones.

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Further investigation and follow-up operations resulted in the discovery of an additional 24 phones—23 Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60—bringing the total number of recovered phones to 35.

All five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi, where they are currently undergoing further interrogation.

The police say investigations are ongoing to determine the true purpose of the suspects’ presence in Benue State and to uncover any possible links to criminal activities.

Authorities are also examining whether the recovered phones were being used as a cover for illicit operations in rural communities.

The Commissioner of Police in the state commended officers involved in the operation and appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible information that led to the arrests.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue to report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies as efforts to maintain peace and security across the state continue.