By Daily Review Online
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raided a suspected illegal fruit juice factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State, arresting two women allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated drinks.
The operation was carried out on September 19, 2026, at about 9pm at a bungalow on Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, in Olorunda Local Council Development Area.
The NSCDC said its operatives encountered resistance from youths in the area during the operation before gaining access to the premises.
Lagos State Commandant of the Corps, Adedotun Keshinro, and NSCDC spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the factory was allegedly producing fruit drinks branded “Barkas Juice” for distribution within Lagos and other parts of the country.
Two female suspects, aged between 48 and 50, were arrested during the operation.
The Corps also alleged that children aged between 15 and 16 were being engaged in the production of the drinks.
According to the NSCDC, operatives found cartons of the products and rolls of labels inside the premises, while a truck loaded with the drinks was reportedly awaiting distribution.
The Corps alleged that the drinks were produced using water, high levels of sugar, additives and colouring agents.
It further said an initial check of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) portal did not show the name “Barkas” among registered fruit juice products.
A dirty well and an unclean industrial storage tank allegedly used as sources of water for production were also found on the premises.
One of the arrested women, who spoke during the operation, claimed that production was carried out only three or four times a year but said the business had been operating for about 20 years.
She also admitted that the products were supplied outside Lagos.
The NSCDC said investigations were ongoing and that further information would be released as the case progresses.
The Corps said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation.