Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has uncovered an illegal juice manufacturing facility in Aradagun, Badagry, arresting two women and rescuing minors allegedly engaged in unauthorised labour. The operation, conducted between 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, followed about five days of surveillance by operatives of the Badagry Divisional Headquarters in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation. The two suspects, aged 48 and 50, were arrested at the premises on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, in the Olorunda Local Council Development Area.
According to the NSCDC, the factory produced a drink branded 'Barkas Juice' under Titi Alubarika Trading Stores Ltd, carrying a purported fake NAFDAC registration number, 01-2166L. Preliminary investigation revealed that the product was made by mixing water, synthetic chemical flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, and chemical preservatives, completely omitting real fruit. The Corps alleged that the juice was produced in a highly unhygienic environment and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City in Edo State, and other parts of the country. When The Guardian visited the premises, a truck loaded with the products was still at the factory, apparently awaiting distribution, alongside cartons of the drink, rolls of product labels, a dirty well used to source water for production, and an unclean industrial storage tank.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the operation was conducted after operatives encountered resistance from youths in the area. He said the corps had to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration, including involving the Nigerian Army, to guard against possible attacks. "Adulterated fruit drinks are being produced in this factory and supplied to Edo State and other parts of the country," Abolurin said. He described the alleged production process as a threat to public health, adding that the NSCDC contacted NAFDAC to verify the registration details and was informed that the product was not registered. Abolurin further alleged that the drink contained high levels of sugar, additives and dyes, though he did not provide laboratory findings to substantiate the claim. The Corps also disclosed that juveniles aged between 15 and 16 were rescued from the facility where they were allegedly engaged in unauthorised labour.
The primary suspect, Morenikeji Alawiye, told The Guardian that the factory was originally established by her grandmother and had been operating for nearly two decades, though she acknowledged it had previously been shut down. She said the family initially produced bottled and sachet water before the business ran into difficulties. Alawiye said she had been trying to regularise the business before her arrest and claimed she had contacted an uncle working with NAFDAC to assist with the registration process. She also claimed that production was not carried out regularly, saying the facility only produced juice about three or four times a year depending on customer orders.
Keshinro said preliminary investigation showed that the alleged consumption of the fake juice could have serious health consequences, including Type 2 diabetes and liver and kidney failure. He ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory to prevent the alleged adulterated products from reaching more consumers and directed that the suspects be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The command said it would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to ensure that justice was served. Items recovered from the facility included a truck, cartons of the Barkas fruit juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums, and a gas cylinder. The suspects are undergoing further investigation and will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after investigations are concluded. The NSCDC appealed to residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support efforts to safeguard communities.
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