NAFDAC operatives
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has exposed an illicit cosmetics production hub nestled within a military barracks’ Mammy Market in Lagos, unearthing a sophisticated scheme to peddle counterfeit beauty products.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, revealed the operation to journalists on Thursday, crediting a reliable tip-off and seamless teamwork with military personnel for the breakthrough.
He described the scene as one of industrial-scale deception, where operatives were churning out vast quantities of bogus cosmetics upon the team’s arrival—the site’s identity remains under wraps pending further probes.
Raiders seized an array of incriminating evidence, including production machinery, blended chemicals, unprocessed ingredients, and deceptive imported packaging designed to fool buyers.
The haul extended to five separate clandestine workshops, with authorities carting away more than five truckloads of substandard goods valued at over N500 million.
One key perpetrator was nabbed on the spot, with detectives hot on the trail of accomplices in this health-sabotaging enterprise. Iluyomade painted a vivid picture of the culprits’ audacity.
“These counterfeiters operate inside the mammy market within the barrack where this raid was carried out and had been hiding under the cover of security without being noticed to perpetrate this evil act.”
He praised the armed forces’ cooperation, which uncovered the additional factories.
“We must give credit to the military for partnering with NAFDAC during this operation that led to the discovery of five other factory where products are being counterfeited.”
The raid’s scale stunned investigators—“What we discovered during the raid was massive, our team are still on ground at the location to evacuate more fake items”—highlighting how fraudsters have evolved their tactics:
“The counterfeiters have stepped up their game, they are now producing this fake products in the country with imported packaging material, making it difficult for consumers to identify the original from the fake.”
Iluyomade reiterated the agency’s unyielding mission under Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, vowing to shield public health from such threats.
He called on citizens to stay alert and tip off authorities about dubious dealings, emphasizing: “NAFDAC D-G is intensifying effort with support from the Presidency to go after individuals who are undermining the health and wellbeing of Nigerians through the importation and production of fake and substandard products.
“NAFDAC’s mantra of safeguarding the health of the nation is still high priority and we will continue to make sure that this criminals have no hiding place in the country.” (NAN)
