A powerful network of security operatives — including personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) — is allegedly raking in between N4 billion and N6 billion every week by facilitating large-scale smuggling operations along the Seme–Badagry and Idi Iroko border corridors, multiple insiders have told SaharaReporters.

Members of the Union of Pioneers Association, a coalition of over 3,000 indigenous smugglers and border-area residents, say although they have served for years as foot soldiers in the illicit trade, they are completely sidelined from the enormous profits now controlled by a cartel backed by high-ranking security officials.

Syndicate Allegedly Protected by Senior Security Officers

According to sources, the cartel oversees the movement of contraband — including rice, used vehicles, and other banned goods — from Benin Republic into Lagos after “settling” customs officers and securing military escorts.

They claim the network is run by a notorious smuggling coordinator who operates a “mafia-style hierarchy” and has allegedly pushed local operators aside while expanding his influence with the protection of key security formations.

“The leader has no vehicle, yet he collects returns from every operation. His investment keeps growing while real indigenes have nothing,” one union member said.

Army Accused of Escorting Contraband

Union insiders allege that soldiers from two major military formations in Badagry are regularly deployed — not for border protection — but to escort trucks carrying contraband into Lagos.

One source claimed that on Saturday, November 22, soldiers were seen supervising the loading of smuggled goods along the Seme–Badagry corridor after a clearance arrangement was made with customs officers.

“The Army is supposed to defend Nigeria, not escort smuggled rice, cars, and contraband. This business runs into billions,” another insider told SaharaReporters.

He added that security operatives involved allegedly receive between N4 billion and N6 billion weekly from the smuggling operations.

Ogun Border Routes Now Main Smuggling Hubs

While border activities in Lagos have reportedly slowed down, insiders say seven border points in Ogun State are now functioning at full capacity and serve as alternative entry routes for smuggled goods.

“Lagos is dead unless you belong to the cartel. Ogun borders are booming — that’s why the smuggling money is huge,” a source said.

Tension Rising as ‘Christmas Window’ Approaches

With December approaching — a period notorious for heightened smuggling — the Pioneers say they were recently invited to a meeting only to be told again that the long-requested operational target they expected would not be approved.

They now accuse security officials of collaborating with the cartel to monopolise the high-profit festive period.

Smugglers Preparing Petition to NSA Nuhu Ribadu

Feeling increasingly marginalised and exploited, members of the Union say they are preparing a formal petition to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, demanding a full investigation into what they describe as a “billion-naira smuggling empire supported by uniformed personnel.”

They insist the alleged involvement of soldiers, customs officers, and police operatives demonstrates deep-rooted institutional compromise at Nigeria’s borders.