The National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal cosmetics production facility located inside a Mammy Market within a military barracks in Lagos.
NAFDAC’s Director Of Investigation And Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, disclosed this development to journalists on Thursday, revealing that the operation was carried out following a credible tip-off and in collaboration with the military.
According to Iluyomade, several counterfeit cosmetic products were being produced in large quantities when enforcement officers stormed the premises. He explained that the name of the specific barracks was withheld due to the ongoing investigation.
Advertisement
READ MORE : Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory In Plateau, Recover Weapons
He further stated that equipment, chemical mixtures, raw materials, and imported packaging items—used to mislead unsuspecting consumers—were discovered at the site.
During the raid, NAFDAC operatives also uncovered five additional illegal production centres. More than five truckloads of counterfeit cosmetics, estimated to be worth over N500 million, were evacuated from the barracks.
Iluyomade confirmed that one major suspect was arrested during the operation, while investigations continue to track other individuals linked to the illicit business.
“These counterfeiters operate inside the Mammy Market within the barracks where the raid was conducted. They had been hiding under the cover of security to carry out this unlawful act without detection,” he said.
He commended the military for partnering with NAFDAC in the operation, which also exposed multiple other counterfeiting factories.
“What we discovered during the raid was massive. Our enforcement team is still on the ground at the location to evacuate more fake products,” Iluyomade added.
Highlighting the sophistication of the counterfeiters, he noted that they now manufacture the fake cosmetics locally using imported packaging materials, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate genuine products from counterfeits.
Iluyomade reaffirmed the commitment of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to protect public health by clamping down on counterfeiters across the country.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities related to fake or substandard products to the agency.
“NAFDAC D-G is intensifying efforts with support from the Presidency to go after individuals who are compromising the health and well-being of Nigerians through the importation and production of counterfeit goods.
“NAFDAC’s mantra of safeguarding the health of the nation remains a top priority, and we will ensure that these criminals find no hiding place in Nigeria,” he said.
