The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state, recovering 35 mobile phones from the suspects.

The arrests were carried out on August 4 and 5, 2026, following what the police described as credible intelligence concerning the activities and movements of the foreign nationals.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, three of the suspects were arrested on August 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle heading towards Adoka village.

The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammad, Ahmad Nunil and Aslam Muhammad.

During questioning, the three men reportedly told investigators that they had travelled to Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.

However, police said none of the products they claimed to be marketing was found in their possession, raising questions about their purpose for travelling into the rural community.

In a separate operation the following day, police arrested two more Pakistani nationals, identified as Juma Sharif and Muhammed Sharif, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.

The two reportedly told investigators that they were dealers in Android mobile phones.

A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones, according to the police.

Further investigation reportedly led officers to additional mobile phones, including 23 more Tecno Camon 50 Pro devices and one Infinix Hot 60.

The total number of recovered phones was therefore put at 35.

The circumstances surrounding the presence and activities of the five foreign nationals in the affected areas remain under investigation.

The police have not alleged that the suspects are members of any criminal or terrorist organisation, and their arrest does not by itself establish that they committed a crime.

Rather, the command said the arrests followed intelligence concerning their movements, with investigations expected to determine the purpose of their activities and whether any offence was committed.

The development comes amid heightened security concerns in Benue, particularly in rural communities that have experienced attacks and other security challenges.

The police have continued to rely on intelligence-led operations and information from residents to identify activities considered suspicious.

Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations into the five suspects continue.

Nigeria Insight will continue to monitor the investigation and report any official update from the Benue State Police Command.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 percent.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and enhance national security.

According to the Presidency, the salary review will benefit approximately 250,000 officers and soldiers across the Armed Forces.

The new pay structure provides for salary increases of between 30 and 80 percent, depending on the rank and service category of each beneficiary.

The revised salary package is scheduled to take effect from September 1, 2026.

Although the Presidency did not immediately disclose the detailed salary scale for each rank, it said the relevant authorities would provide further information on the implementation process in due course.

The approval comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of security personnel, boost morale, and strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges across the country.

Military personnel and stakeholders are expected to await additional implementation guidelines from the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies before the new salary structure takes effect.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the invitation of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and the questioning of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh over allegations made by the activist.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, had formally invited AIG Jimoh for questioning as part of an internal investigation into the allegations.

The Force also disclosed that it had, on July 30, 2026, issued a letter inviting VeryDarkMan to appear before the FCID to substantiate the claims he made publicly.

According to the Police, the actions demonstrate the Force’s commitment to accountability and due process, stressing that all allegations of misconduct are investigated regardless of the rank of the officer involved or the status of the complainant.

The statement followed recent public allegations made by VeryDarkMan concerning AIG Moshood Jimoh, who heads Police Zone 2 Command, Lagos, and an ongoing criminal matter.

However, the Police clarified that the criminal case referenced by the activist had already been investigated and charged before a court of competent jurisdiction based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Force emphasised that the matter is sub judice, meaning it is before the court and should not be litigated in the media.

“The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement said.

The Police reaffirmed that disciplinary proceedings within the Force are governed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020, the Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other established administrative procedures.

It added that these rules apply equally to every officer, irrespective of rank or position.

While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the Police cautioned that such rights do not extend to defamation or the publication of unverified allegations.

The Force urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended to him and cooperate with investigators while allowing the courts to determine the separate criminal matter.

It further assured Nigerians that any officer found culpable after a thorough investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures, while individuals found to have deliberately made false allegations capable of damaging the reputation of officers or the institution could also face legal consequences.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains an institution founded on law, discipline and accountability. No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the statement added.