A notorious smuggling cartel operating across Nigeria’s southwestern border corridors particularly Seme–Badagry and Idi Iroko has been exposed for allegedly paying over N24 billion monthly in bribes to Nigerian security operatives. Recent investigations indicate that this syndicate specializes in the clandestine importation of rice and vehicles, collaborating with personnel from several security agencies to evade border controls and import bans.
According to sources, security operatives including customs, police, and army officers are implicated in the scheme, which has resulted in an unchecked flow of contraband rice and used cars into Nigerian markets. The illicit network reportedly uses multiple channels to distribute proceeds and ensure operations remain undetected.
The staggering amount siphoned off each month highlights the scale of corruption undermining Nigeria’s economic policies and food security initiatives. Local rice farmers and economic experts warn that rampant rice smuggling stifles domestic production, crashes prices, and causes severe job losses, while the proliferation of cheap imported vehicles disrupts the automotive market.
Analysts are calling for urgent anti-corruption measures, increased border surveillance, and enforcement reforms to dismantle the smuggling cartel and restore integrity to Nigeria’s border security apparatus.