Rice and Car Smuggling: Syndicate Allegedly Nets N24bn Monthly with Security Operatives’ Involvement

Story: Written by Joseph November 24,2025

A major smuggling network operating along the Seme–Badagry and Idi Iroko corridors has allegedly been generating N24 billion monthly with the complicity of some Nigerian security personnel.

According to insiders from the Union of Pioneers Association of Smugglers, the cartel moves rice, vehicles, fuel, and other restricted goods from the Republic of Benin into Lagos, often with customs officers “settling” fees and military personnel providing protection during transit.

Union leaders, speaking anonymously, said the network is run like a “mafia-style operation”, enriching a select few while sidelining indigenous traders.

“He doesn’t own a single vehicle, but he collects returns from every operation,” one insider said. “The real locals see nothing while his wealth keeps growing.”

Efforts by the union to form a new operational team, Team C, have reportedly been blocked by security officials, despite intervention from community leaders and a Yoruba traditional ruler.

“They don’t want Team C because it would cut into the billions they make,” another member claimed.

Members further alleged that soldiers stationed at key points in Badagry have been providing escort services for smuggled goods instead of protecting Nigeria’s borders. Recent observations reportedly showed army personnel supervising loading operations in collaboration with some customs officials.

Multiple senior officers across military formations and customs units were named as allegedly shielding the syndicate. While Lagos routes are described as “crippled” under cartel control, Ogun State border points are said to be fully operational, fueling the illicit trade further.

With the December peak smuggling period approaching, union members accused security personnel of colluding with the cartel to monopolize the Christmas surge, and they plan to petition National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for a full investigation into the alleged “billionaire smuggling empire backed by uniformed officers.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has yet to comment on the allegations, despite its anti-smuggling unit seizing N1.84 billion worth of contraband in South West Nigeria earlier this year.