Crime
Smuggling: Cartel, Nigerian security Operatives Allegedly Pocket N24Billion Monthly
Smuggling: Cartel, Nigerian security Operatives Allegedly Pocket N24Billion 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.
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.
“He doesn’t own a single vehicle, but he collects returns from every operation,” a member said. “His investment keeps growing, while the real indigenes can’t boast of any.”
Attempts by the union to create a new operational team, known as Team C, have allegedly been blocked repeatedly by security operatives. Despite interventions from community leaders and even a prominent Yoruba traditional ruler, the union claims officials have stalled the process to protect their financial interests.
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“They don’t want Team C because it will cut into the billions they make,” another union executive said.
Members further accused soldiers attached to two major formations in Badagry of providing escort services for smuggled goods instead of securing Nigeria’s borders. As recently as Saturday, one source claimed, army personnel were seen supervising loading operations after a clearance arrangement involving some customs officials.
“The military are supposed to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, but they are escorting smuggled rice and cars into Lagos,” a member alleged.
Multiple senior officers across several formations, including the customs service, were also named by insiders as allegedly offering top-level protection for the network.
While Lagos border routes are described as “crippled” due to the cartel’s grip, the union claims several Ogun State border points are fully active and currently serve as alternative entry routes for smuggled goods, further expanding the cartel’s reach.
“Lagos is dead unless you are connected. But Ogun is booming. That’s why the money is huge,” one union member said.
With December approaching, a month typically marked by heightened smuggling, union members say they were again informed this week that their long-requested operational approval would not be granted. They now accuse security operatives of colluding with the cartel to monopolise the Christmas surge in contraband movement.
Feeling sidelined, the union says it is preparing a petition to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, calling for a full-scale investigation into what they describe as a “billionaire smuggling empire backed by uniformed personnel.”
They insist the alleged involvement of soldiers, customs officers, and police officers shows how deeply entrenched corruption is at Nigeria’s borders.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, has yet to comment on the allegations as of filing this report.
This comes despite the operation of the NCS anti-smuggling unit.
NCS announced in July that it had seized N1.84 billion worth of contraband in South West Nigeria alone.
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons
Kano NSCDC nabs 11 suspected hoodlums with dangerous weapons. According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State command, says it has arrested a gang of 11 suspected hoodlums found in possession of dangerous weapons in Mariri, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s public relations officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.
He listed the suspects as Idris Muhammad,20, Abubakar Shuaibu,24, Sagiru Hassan Yusuf, 25, Idris Muhammad Morata, 25, and Anas Rabiu, 23.
Others were Yahaya Muhammad, 29, Khalid Idris, 28, Muhammad Adamu, 19, Muktar Auwal Muktar ,22, Salim Muktar, 18, and Saifullahi Nuhu,18.
According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m, armed with dangerous local weapons.
NSCDC
“The gang was on a rampage after attending a local traditional festival in Mariri area and were attacking residents and dispossessing them of their belongings.
“The gang also stormed a nearby NSCDC outpost in Mariri, attacked and left a staff fractured in the office” he said
Idris-Abdullahi listed the items recovered to include six cutlasses, swords and a pair of scissors.
He added that the command’s intelligence and investigation department had concluded investigations and the suspects would be charged to court.
Idris-Abdullahi quoted the state commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding public peace in Kano State.
Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel
Lagos Police nab 26 over counterfeit currency, adulterated diesel. The police said N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The police command in Lagos has apprehended 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas. The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.
According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.
“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.
Police Arrests
Ms Adebisi said that police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh warned all criminally minded individuals to desist from their nefarious activities.
“CP Jimoh cautioned that anyone involved in acts that threaten public peace or economic stability will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
She assured residents that Lagos remains safe, reiterating that the command is in control of the security situation and has prioritised the safety and well-being of all residents.
She urged the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in apprehending criminals and preventing crime.
“Public cooperation remains essential to sustaining the peace and security for which Lagos state is known,” she said.
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