The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal factory in Badagry, Lagos, where adulterated fruit juice branded as “Barkas Juice” was allegedly produced. Two women, aged 48 and 50, were arrested in connection with the operation.
According to the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, the arrests followed a five-day surveillance operation carried out jointly by NSCDC operatives in Badagry and a Nigerian Army formation in the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that “Barkas Juice” contained high levels of sugar, water, artificial colourants, dyes, and additives, but no real fruit content. The juice was reportedly manufactured in highly unhygienic conditions and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City, Edo State, and other parts of Nigeria. The product was also found to bear a NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L, which authorities suspect is fake.
The NSCDC said the lead suspect confessed that the business started as a water production venture run by her grandmother before evolving into the production of Barkas Juice, which she inherited about 20 years ago.
Items seized from the factory included a truck, cartons of the juice, machinery, chemicals, drums, and a gas cylinder. The raid was conducted between 9pm on Saturday and midnight on Sunday.
The NSCDC warned that consumption of such adulterated products could lead to severe health risks, including Type 2 diabetes, liver, and kidney failure. This incident comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard food, drugs, cosmetics, and other consumer products in Nigeria.
Lagos State NSCDC Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the suspects would face further investigation and prosecution. He also ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory and pledged to work alongside the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant bodies to ensure justice is served.
