The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has arrested two women aged 48 and 50 over alleged involvement in the production of adulterated fruit juice popularly known as “Barkas Juice” in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
The suspects were arrested following about five days of surveillance conducted by NSCDC operatives from the Badagry Command, in collaboration with a Nigerian Army formation in the area.
According to the NSCDC, the alleged production process involved the use of water, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants and chemical preservatives, with investigators alleging that no real fruit was used in the production.
The operation reportedly took place between Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, during which operatives allegedly encountered resistance from some youths who attempted to prevent the security personnel from carrying out the operation.
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The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Adedotun Keshinro, said intelligence provided through the command’s community engagement initiatives contributed to the successful operation.
Keshinro said the command had continued to strengthen its relationship with communities across Lagos through regular sensitisation and engagement programmes, resulting in increased information and intelligence sharing.
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He said operatives moved in on the suspected illegal factory at about 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and continued the operation into the early hours of Sunday, where the two suspects were allegedly caught in the act.
According to the commandant, the 48-year-old alleged owner of the business claimed during preliminary questioning that the operation had been inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago.
“She confessed that her grandmother started with water production, which was later upgraded to Barkas fruit juice production, which she inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago,” Keshinro stated.
The NSCDC said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspected adulterated juice contained high levels of sugar, water, colourants, dyes and other additives.
The command also alleged that the products were manufactured under unhygienic conditions and distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City in Edo State and other parts of Nigeria.
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According to Keshinro, the products allegedly carried a fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, identified as “01-2166L.”
The NSCDC warned that the consumption of adulterated food and beverage products could pose serious health risks to consumers. However, the specific health effects of the seized products will require appropriate scientific and regulatory assessment.
Several items were reportedly recovered from the premises, including a truck, cartons of the suspected fake fruit juice, production machinery, chemicals, drums and a gas cylinder.
Keshinro said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered factory to prevent further production and distribution of the suspected adulterated products.
The NSCDC commandant further disclosed that the corps would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies as investigations continue and to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken.
