NAFDAC raids 240 shops, confiscates over N5b fake products in Aba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully raided 240 shops in Aba’s notorious Cemetery Market, confiscating counterfeit products worth over N5 billion.

This operation, part of NAFDAC’s ongoing effort to combat the spread of fake and substandard food and beverages, marks the second time the agency has targeted the market in just over a year.

In a statement by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the operation was described as one of the largest and most thorough crackdowns in the market’s history.     Known for being a hub for counterfeit manufacturing, the Cemetery Market has long been a haven for those involved in the illegal production of fake wines, spirits, soft drinks, and other food products.

The recent raid, which was carried out with the support of the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, targeted over 240 illegal factories disguised as regular shops.

According to NAFDAC, these factories produced harmful and adulterated products using unsafe chemicals, unhygienic water sources, and recycled bottles. The products included popular brands such as Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Four Cousins, and Coca-Cola, as well as various non-alcoholic beverages like Fanta, Schweppes, and Amstel Malta.
Over 1,500 cartons of fake products were seized during the operation and destroyed on-site. The estimated street value of the confiscated goods is a staggering N5 billion. The counterfeit products were neatly packaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers, often under the guise of genuine brands, further putting public health at risk.

In addition to the fake alcoholic drinks and soft beverages, NAFDAC also uncovered counterfeit home-use beverages such as Peak Sachet Milk, Cowbell Sachet Milk, and Cadbury Chocolate Drink. These products, which were being produced under unsanitary conditions, were found to contain harmful substances like saccharin, starch, and other chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.

The operation follows a similar raid carried out in December 2023, which had already seen significant seizures amounting to over N750 million worth of fake products. The agency also added that it discovered three major warehouses on January 22, 2025, where expired Hollandia Yoghurt was being illegally stockpiled for revalidation.
Mojisola, in a statement, thanked the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for its continued support in the fight against counterfeit products. She also commended local stakeholders and law enforcement for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the operation.

As part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health, NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to report any suspected fake or substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office, reinforcing the agency’s resolve to eliminate counterfeit goods from the Nigerian market.