The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has uncovered an illegal fruit-juice production facility in the Badagry area of Lagos State and arrested two women allegedly connected with the operation.

The suspects, whose identities were withheld, are aged 48 and 50. They were arrested following surveillance by NSCDC operatives, who worked with a Nigerian Army formation in the area.

According to the Corps, the operation took place between Saturday night, September 19, and the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, after intelligence gathered through community engagement pointed to suspected illicit production activities.

The NSCDC said the facility was allegedly producing and distributing fake “Barkas Juice” without the use of genuine fruit.

Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that the beverage was made from water, high levels of sugar, synthetic flavourings, industrial sweeteners, artificial colourants, dyes and chemical preservatives.

The Corps also alleged that the production was carried out in an unhygienic environment, creating concerns about the safety of products reaching consumers.

The alleged owner of the business reportedly told investigators that the enterprise had been inherited from her grandmother about 20 years ago.

According to the NSCDC, the business initially involved water production before it was later expanded into fruit-juice production.

The Corps further alleged that the products were distributed to markets in Lagos, Benin City in Edo State and other parts of the country.

Authorities also raised concerns over the use of a purportedly fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration number, identified as 01-2166L.

During the operation, NSCDC operatives reportedly recovered cartons of the suspected adulterated juice, a truck, production machinery, chemicals, drums and gas cylinders.

The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Adedotun Keshinro, ordered the immediate closure of the unregistered facility to prevent further production and distribution of the suspected adulterated beverage.

Keshinro said the suspects would undergo further investigation and be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Command also said it would collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant regulatory authorities on laboratory testing, further investigation and possible prosecution.

The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal manufacturing and distribution of adulterated consumer products to relevant authorities.

The Corps said cooperation between residents and security agencies through community intelligence-sharing remained important in detecting and disrupting activities capable of threatening public health and safety.