The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has uncovered an alleged fake fruit juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State. The operation, which was carried out between Saturday night, September 19, and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, resulted in the arrest of two women linked to the operation. According to the NSCDC, the facility was allegedly producing and distributing a drink branded “Barkas Juice.”
Preliminary investigations by the NSCDC showed that the product was allegedly made with water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and preservatives rather than real fruit. The Corps also alleged that the product carried a purportedly fake NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L. The NSCDC described the production environment as unhygienic and said further investigations would be conducted into the operation.
During the operation, the Corps recovered cartons of the juice, production equipment, chemicals, drums, gas cylinders and a truck from the premises. The NSCDC has ordered the closure of the facility and said the suspects would undergo further investigation before possible prosecution. The Corps added that it would work with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies as investigations continue.
However, the alleged owner of the facility, Morenikeji Alawiye, gave a different account of the business. Alawiye said the factory was established by her grandmother nearly two decades ago and initially produced bottled and sachet water before expanding into fruit juice production. She also claimed that efforts were being made to regularise the business with NAFDAC before her arrest.
The NSCDC, Lagos State Command, had been monitoring the facility for about five days before the operation. The Corps said it was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens by clamping down on such unscrupulous activities. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of food and drink products in the country.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has been working to rid the country of fake and substandard products. In recent months, the Corps has made several seizures of counterfeit goods and arrested suspects linked to such operations. The NSCDC has urged citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Lagos State NSCDC has promised to take a closer look at the issue of fake and substandard products in the state. The Corps has called for increased collaboration with other agencies to tackle the problem. Key Points:
Key points
- The NSCDC uncovered an alleged fake fruit juice production facility in Lagos State, arresting two women and seizing equipment and products.
- The product, branded “Barkas Juice,” was allegedly made with water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and preservatives rather than real fruit.
- The NSCDC has ordered the closure of the facility and said the suspects would undergo further investigation before possible prosecution.
