Breaking News
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 DAILY POST.
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.
“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.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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