Rice, car smuggling: Cartel, Nigerian security operatives allegedly pocket N24bn monthly
A notorious smuggling network operating along the Seme–Badagry and Idi Iroko corridors within Nigerian security forces has been exposed.
The Union of Pioneers Association of Smugglers disclosed this to SOCIETY WATCH.
Members of the union alleged that Nigerian security operatives and border-area residents have long served as foot soldiers for an illicit trade worth around N24 billion monthly.
Speaking anonymously, union leaders claimed that a powerful syndicate backed by senior security figures oversees the flow of contraband, including rice, vehicles, fuel, and other restricted items, from the Republic of Benin into Lagos. They say goods are routinely cleared after “settlements” with customs officers and escorted safely by military personnel.
The union accused a well-known smuggling coordinator of running what they described as a “mafia-style structure” that enriches a select few at the expense of indigenous operators.
