NSCDC raids illegal juice factory in Lagos

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has uncovered an alleged illegal juice production facility in Badagry and arrested two women in connection with its operations.

The facility was discovered on Monday, September 21, during an operation by the command, with the Corps alleging that the products manufactured there were distributed to markets across Lagos.

Civil Defence Public Relations Officer in Lagos, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said already-packaged juice products were found at the facility, with some allegedly prepared for transportation in container vehicles.

He said the identities of the two women arrested were being withheld pending the conclusion of investigations.

Abolurin also alleged that teenagers between the ages of 15 and 16 were involved in activities at the facility.

Items recovered during the operation reportedly included sugar, water, adhesives, dyes and colourants, which the Corps said were used in the production of the juice.

One of the suspects, during interrogation, claimed the facility was originally established by her grandmother and had operated for nearly two decades before it was shut down following operational challenges.

She reportedly told investigators that efforts were underway to renew the facility’s registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

The suspect also claimed that production was carried out only three or four times a year, depending on customer orders.

The NSCDC, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the facility’s operations, the products manufactured there and their distribution network.

The Corps said the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.