Navy arrests 14 smugglers in Calabar

Five Nigerians and three Cameroonians have been arrested by the Navy in Calabar, Cross River State, for allegedly attempting to smuggle out 105 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, to Cameroon.

It also arrested six Nigerians for smuggling over 357 bags of 50kg rice worth N7 million into the country.

Briefing newsmen in Calabar yesterday, the Commander of Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Vincent Okeke, said the petrol, worth about N6 million, was from Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

He added that the matter was still under investigation.

Frowning at the attitude of smugglers, he said: “The government brings in PMS at a subsidised rate to the public. Meanwhile, some people are still taking out this PMS to neighbouring countries. You can now understand why nobody can comprehend the daily consumption rate.”