RismadarVoice Reporters
October 13, 2026
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a suspected counterfeit beverage production facility at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos State.
Two suspects, identified as Chibuzor Okafor and William John, were arrested during the enforcement operation over their alleged involvement in the production and repackaging of counterfeit alcoholic and energy drinks.
According to NAFDAC, the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance of suspected illegal beverage production activities within the Trade Fair International Market.
Enforcement officers raided a two-storey building where they discovered drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other equipment allegedly used to manufacture and repackage beverages under established brand labels.
Speaking during the operation, the Assistant Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Kunle Ojo, described the discovery as disturbing, warning that counterfeit beverages posed significant risks to public health.
Ojo said some individuals were allegedly caught producing the drinks when enforcement officers entered the premises.
He explained that the agency had intensified surveillance and enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic beverages and other drinks typically increases.
The NAFDAC official said investigations would establish the sources of the raw materials, the distribution channels and the individuals suspected of financing or coordinating the operation.
He added that the agency would evacuate the recovered products and equipment for further examination and appropriate regulatory action.
Ojo warned that those found culpable would face administrative sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.
He also urged Nigerians to provide credible information about suspected counterfeit manufacturing and distribution activities, assuring informants that their identities would be protected.
Also speaking, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, said the agency continued to conduct surveillance, seizures and enforcement operations across markets and suspected illegal production centres.
She explained that many operations were carried out without advance publicity to prevent suspects from escaping or interfering with investigations.
According to Obiazikwor, the decision to involve journalists in the latest operation was intended to demonstrate the agency’s enforcement activities and strengthen public confidence in its regulatory responsibilities.
She encouraged consumers and members of the public to report suspected counterfeit products directly to NAFDAC rather than circulate unverified allegations on social media.
Similarly, the Assistant Director responsible for Public Relations in the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Victoria Jennifer Akudu, said the raid formed part of continuing efforts to identify and dismantle illegal production facilities.
Akudu alleged that the suspected operators had previously relocated after enforcement action at another location, prompting officers to continue monitoring their activities.
She said the latest operation enabled enforcement personnel to gain access to the premises and apprehend suspects.
The agency maintained that its enforcement teams remained active in identifying counterfeit, adulterated and unregistered products across the country.
NAFDAC warned that beverages manufactured or repackaged without appropriate regulatory supervision could contain harmful substances or fail to meet established safety standards.
The agency reiterated its commitment to investigating suspected counterfeit operations, removing unsafe products from circulation and pursuing appropriate legal action against those responsible.
The two arrested individuals remain suspects, and their alleged involvement has not been determined by a court.
