Items recovered from the suspects
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested two women for allegedly producing adulterated fruit juice in Badagry, Lagos State.
The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested during a five-day surveillance operation carried out by the command in collaboration with an Army formation operating in the area.
The Lagos State Command’s Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed the development in a statement.
According to the statement, the suspects were allegedly producing a product known as “Barkas Juice” by mixing water with artificial flavourings, sweeteners, colourants and other chemical additives before packaging it for sale.
The command said items recovered from the illegal production site included a truck, cartons of the adulterated juice, production machines, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.
It added that the products were manufactured under unhygienic conditions and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City and other parts of the country.
The statement further alleged that the suspects used a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L, to give the products an appearance of authenticity.
Speaking on the arrest, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would face the full weight of the law after investigations are concluded.
“The suspects would undergo further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law,” Keshinro said.
The arrest comes as regulatory and security agencies continue to intensify efforts to curb the production and circulation of fake, adulterated and substandard food and beverage products across Nigeria.
NAFDAC has repeatedly warned manufacturers, distributors and consumers about the dangers of counterfeit food and drinks, saying such products pose serious health risks, including food poisoning and other life-threatening complications. The agency has also sustained nationwide enforcement operations, shutting down illegal factories and prosecuting individuals involved in the production and sale of unsafe consumable products.
The latest operation by the NSCDC highlights the growing collaboration between security agencies and regulators to protect public health, ensure food safety and prevent unsuspecting consumers from being exposed to harmful products. Authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious manufacturing activities to the appropriate agencies.
