By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an alleged illegal fruit juice factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State and arrested two female suspects.
The operation was carried out on September 19, 2026, at Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, in Olorunda Local Council Development Area.
Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, and the Corps’ spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said operatives faced resistance from youths during the operation.
According to the NSCDC, the factory produced and distributed fruit juice branded “Barkas Juice” to Lagos, Edo and other parts of the country.
The Corps also alleged that children aged 15 and 16 were recruited to work in the production process.
During the operation, officials reportedly found a truck loaded with the products, cartons of juice and rolls of labels inside the premises.
The NSCDC said the factory used water from a dirty well and an unclean industrial storage tank for production.
The Corps further alleged that the juice contained high levels of sugar, water, additives and dyes.
It said a search of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) portal did not show “Barkas Juice” among registered products.
One of the suspects reportedly told officials that the factory produced juice three or four times a year and had been operating for about 20 years.
The NSCDC said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.
