The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal and unregistered juice production facility in Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Badagry, Lagos State.
The facility, located on Alabi Onilegbale Street, was discovered during an operation carried out by the NSCDC following intelligence on its activities.
Two women, aged 48 and 50, were arrested during the operation, while operatives reportedly recovered cartons of finished products, product labels, production equipment and other materials from the premises.
The product, identified as Barkas Juice, was allegedly being produced without the required registration and regulatory approval. The NSCDC also raised concerns over the NAFDAC registration number displayed on the product, which it said was being verified with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
According to the Corps, materials found at the facility included untreated water, sugar, colourants and other additives allegedly used in the production process. The NSCDC further alleged that the products were distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of the country.
During the operation, operatives also reportedly encountered resistance from youths in the area, prompting the involvement of the Nigerian Army. Two minors, aged 15 and 16, were also reportedly found at the facility. The Corps said they were allegedly involved in unauthorised labour and were subsequently rescued.
The facility has since been shut down as investigations continue. The NSCDC said it would collaborate with relevant regulatory authorities, including NAFDAC, to determine the status and safety of the products.
One of the arrested women reportedly claimed that the business had been established by her grandmother nearly two decades ago and that efforts were being made to regularise its registration.
The suspects are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution based on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
