BNI dismisses six operatives after phones found in suspects’ cells

Six operatives of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) have been dismissed after an internal investigation uncovered a network in which compromised staff supplied mobile phones and other illegal services to suspects in the agency’s custody, according to 3News sources.

The disciplinary action followed a security breach on February 16, 2026. An officer on duty, carrying out routine rounds of the suspects’ cells, found a suspect making a call on a mobile phone. The discovery was treated as a major security breach.

Preliminary investigations uncovered several contraband items in two holding facilities. These included mobile phones, phone accessories, and a screwdriver, which is considered a lethal weapon. According to 3News sources, not less than six mobile phones were found.

The investigation then took an unexpected turn. The phone number of a BNI operative was found at the back of one of the playing cards suspects used for recreational activities. The number was found to belong to a BNI operative, and the BNI proceeded to investigate how it had ended up there.

That inquiry unravelled a wider network and revealed that a BNI officer was an internal collaborator. He was found to have provided mobile phones and other illegal services to suspects in return for financial reward. Sources described the arrangement as a whole business being run by compromised staff.

The operation also extended to food. Investigators established that suspects, with the help of compromised BNI staff, arranged with relatives to have food delivered from restaurants without recourse to the BNI’s established protocols. Mobile phones and accessories were concealed in the food packages.

Eight BNI operatives were investigated and taken through internal disciplinary action. After all disciplinary channels were exhausted, six operatives were dismissed, one was demoted, and one was exonerated.

A source said internal controls have since been tightened. The source added that a purge is ongoing, including polygraph tests for staff and other internal measures to ensure discipline and strict adherence to rules and regulations.