The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two women, aged 48 and 50, and shut down an illegal juice factory in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State. The factory, located at Talabi Onilegbale Street, was producing a drink branded Barkas Juice under Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd. According to the NSCDC, the factory was unregistered and carried a purportedly fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number.
The NSCDC operatives stormed the factory on September 19, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. after five days of surveillance. The operation followed intelligence received about the activities at the location. When The Guardian visited the premises, a truck loaded with the products was still at the factory, apparently awaiting distribution. Cartons of the drink and rolls of product labels were also seen inside the bungalow being used for production.
The NSCDC alleged that the products were being distributed to Edo State and other parts of the country. The corps also found a dirty well, which was being used to source water for production, and an unclean industrial storage tank within the premises. The NSCDC described the alleged production process as a threat to public health, urging Nigerians to be wary of unregistered fruit drinks.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, the operation was conducted after operatives encountered resistance from youths in the area. The corps had to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration, including involving the Nigerian Army, to guard against possible attacks. However, community support helped the operation to succeed.
Abolurin further alleged that the drink contained high levels of sugar, additives, and dyes. The NSCDC contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details on the product and was informed that the product was not registered. The primary suspect, Morenikeji Alawiye, claimed that the factory had originally been established by her grandmother and had been operating for nearly two decades.
Alawiye said the family initially produced bottled and sachet water before the factory ran into difficulties. She had been trying to regularise the business before her arrest and claimed that she had contacted an uncle working with NAFDAC to assist with the process. An aunt had also introduced a prospective customer in The Gambia who wanted the product manufactured for export.
The NSCDC's operation highlights the risks associated with unregistered food and drink production in Nigeria. The incident underscores the need for regulatory agencies to collaborate in ensuring public health and safety. The arrested women are expected to face prosecution for their alleged involvement in the production and distribution of unregistered fruit drinks.
Key points
- The NSCDC arrested two women and shut down an illegal juice factory producing Barkas Juice in Lagos State.
- The factory was found to be unregistered and carrying a fake NAFDAC registration number.
- The products were allegedly being distributed to Edo State and other parts of the country.
