NSCDC Conducts Raid on Unregistered Juice Factory Arresting Two in Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conducted a raid on September 19, 2026, at an alleged illegal juice production site located on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, in the Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The operation led to the arrest of two women aged 48 and 50 on the premises, accused of operating without proper registration.

The factory was said to produce a drink branded as Barkas Juice, reportedly under the company name Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd. However, the facility carried a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, 01-2166L, which was confirmed to be fraudulent upon verification.

During the raid, NSCDC personnel discovered several cartons of the drink, product labels, and a truck apparently loaded with the products ready for distribution. The NSCDC noted the factory's conditions included a dirty well and an unclean industrial storage tank used in the production process.

The Lagos State Commandant's spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, mentioned the products were suspected to be distributed beyond Lagos, reaching Edo State and other parts of Nigeria. The NSCDC had gathered intelligence and conducted five days of surveillance prior to the raid.

The arrest met resistance from local youths, which led to the NSCDC reinforcing its team with inter-agency support from the Nigerian Army to maintain security. Despite the challenges, community support played a role in the successful completion of the operation.

Abolurin highlighted public health concerns due to the alleged adulteration of fruit drinks with high sugar levels, additives, and dyes, though no laboratory evidence was provided. In contrast, the primary suspect, Morenikeji Alawiye, claimed the family-owned facility had been operating for nearly two decades and was in the process of obtaining the necessary operational approvals.

The NSCDC has contacted NAFDAC to investigate further, as the alleged products were poised for broader national and potential international distribution. Alawiye mentioned a connection seeking to export the product to The Gambia, citing ongoing efforts to legitimize production.