LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered an alleged illegal juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry, and arrested two women in connection with the operation.
The facility, located on Talabi Onilegbale Street in Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, was reportedly uncovered after about five days of surveillance following intelligence received by the Corps.
According to the NSCDC, the operation took place between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The two suspects, aged 48 and 50, were reportedly arrested at the premises, where officers allegedly found cartons of a fruit drink branded Barkas Juice, production equipment, chemicals, drums, a gas cylinder and other materials.
The Corps alleged that the facility was not registered and that the product carried a purportedly fraudulent National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L.
NSCDC spokesman in Lagos, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the Corps contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details and was informed that the product was not registered.
The NSCDC further alleged that the juice was produced using water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, colourants, dyes and other additives instead of real fruit. The Corps described the alleged production conditions as a public health concern.
A truck reportedly loaded with the products was also found at the premises, while cartons of the drink and rolls of product labels were seen inside the building. The NSCDC said the products were allegedly being distributed to markets in Lagos, Edo State and other parts of the country.
The operation reportedly encountered resistance from some youths in the area, prompting security personnel to strengthen their operation with assistance from the Nigerian Army.
However, one of the arrested women, identified by The Guardian as Morenikeji Alawiye, gave a different account. She reportedly said the business was established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly two decades. She also claimed that efforts were underway to regularise the business with NAFDAC before her arrest.
The NSCDC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law. The Corps also said it would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies on the matter.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution and verify the registration status of packaged food and drinks before purchasing them.
