The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has uncovered an illegal fruit juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State, arresting two women suspected of involvement in the production of adulterated Barkas Juice.
The operation followed about five days of surveillance after the Corps received intelligence on activities at the facility located on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, in the Olorunda Local Council Development Area.
According to the NSCDC, the suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested at the premises during an operation conducted between Saturday, September 19 and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The Corps said the suspected juice was allegedly produced by mixing water with synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and chemical preservatives, without the use of real fruit. Preliminary investigation showed that the product contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes and additives, which it described as harmful to human health.
The NSCDC also alleged that the factory was operating without proper registration and that the product carried a purportedly fake NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L. The Corps said it contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details and was informed that the product was not registered.
During the raid, officers reportedly found cartons of the drinks, product labels, production equipment, a truck loaded with the products, machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder. The Corps alleged that the drinks were being distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State and other parts of the country, and that they were produced in a highly unhygienic environment.
The operation reportedly encountered resistance from some youths in the area, prompting the NSCDC to work with a Nigerian Army formation to secure the operation.
The alleged owner of the business reportedly told investigators that the enterprise was inherited from her grandmother, who initially produced bottled and sachet water before the business expanded into fruit juice production about two decades ago.
The NSCDC said the suspects remain in custody and are undergoing investigation. It added that relevant agencies, including NAFDAC, have been contacted for laboratory testing and further regulatory action.
The Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the suspects would undergo further investigation and be prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory to prevent the alleged adulterated products from reaching more consumers.
Keshinro assured that the command would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to ensure that justice was served. The Corps warned consumers to be cautious of unregistered fruit drinks and urged members of the public to provide security agencies with information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities.
