NSCDC raids illegal juice factory, arrests two women in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have arrested two women following a raid on an alleged illegal juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry area of Lagos State.

The factory, where a drink branded Barkas Juice was allegedly being produced, was discovered on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, at about 9:00 p.m. on September 19, 2026.

The suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested at the premises by personnel attached to the NSCDC Badagry Divisional Headquarters.

According to the corps, the factory was not registered, while the product, allegedly manufactured under Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd., bore a purportedly fraudulent National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, registration number, 01-2166L.

A visit to the premises showed a truck loaded with the products still parked at the facility, apparently awaiting distribution.

Several cartons of the drink and rolls of product labels were also found inside the bungalow being used for production. Part of the same building was reportedly being used as a residence.

The NSCDC also identified a dirty well on the premises, which it alleged was being used as the source of water for production. An unclean industrial storage tank was also found at the facility.

The corps said the raid followed five days of surveillance after it received intelligence about activities at the location.

It further alleged that the products manufactured at the facility were being distributed to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, NSCDC spokesman Oluwaseun Abolurin said operatives encountered resistance from youths in the community during the operation.

He said the situation prompted the corps to strengthen its inter-agency security arrangement, including the involvement of the Nigerian Army, to prevent possible attacks on the operatives.

Abolurin, however, said support from members of the community contributed to the success of the operation.

“Adulterated fruit drinks are being produced in this factory and supplied to Edo State and other parts of the country. The products were found packed in cartons and also loaded in a truck,” he said.

He described the alleged production activities as a public health concern and urged Nigerians to exercise caution when purchasing unregistered fruit drinks.

Abolurin said the NSCDC contacted NAFDAC to authenticate the registration number displayed on the product and was informed that the drink was not registered.

He also alleged that the product contained high levels of sugar, additives and dyes, although no laboratory findings were provided to substantiate the claim.

However, the primary suspect, Morenikeji Alawiye, told The Guardian that the facility had been established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly 20 years.

Alawiye acknowledged that the factory had previously been shut down but said she had been working to regularise its operations before her arrest.

She explained that the family initially produced bottled and sachet water before experiencing difficulties with the business.

According to her, she had contacted an uncle working with NAFDAC to assist with the process of obtaining the necessary approvals.

Alawiye further claimed that an aunt had connected the business with a prospective customer in The Gambia who was interested in having the product manufactured for export.