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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out its largest enforcement operation yet, seizing counterfeit and illicit drugs valued at over N1 trillion across major drug markets in Onitsha (Anambra), Aba (Abia), and Lagos.
Massive Drug Seizure and Market Raid
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja that operatives confiscated 87 truckloads of fake, expired, and unregistered medicines. Among the seized products were antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by USAID and UNFPA, which were found in sealed markets.
Addressing reporters on the operation’s impact, Prof. Adeyeye confirmed the estimated value of the confiscated drugs, saying, “It is N1 trillion. This may even be an underestimation, but once the operation is complete, we will have a clearer figure.”
Threats to Officials and the Fight Against Drug Cartels
Prof. Adeyeye revealed the dangers faced by NAFDAC officers in tackling counterfeit drug syndicates, including threats to their lives. She recounted an attempted assassination six months ago and the kidnapping of an official’s child in Kano.
“For my own safety, I have two police officers stationed in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. This is not the life I envisioned, but we have no choice if we want to save our country,” she stated.
She called for stricter penalties, urging the National Assembly to amend the NAFDAC Act and Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act to impose life imprisonment or even the death penalty for offenders.
Impact on Public Health and National Security
Highlighting the severe health risks posed by fake drugs, the NAFDAC boss warned that many people have lost their lives due to substandard medications. She particularly pointed to the large quantities of narcotics—including Tramadol, Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam), Nitrazepam, and Diazepam—that were recovered, stressing their link to drug abuse and crime.
“The volume of these narcotics is enough to destabilize national security,” she warned.
Security Forces Join NAFDAC in Market Shutdowns
The enforcement operation, which commenced on February 9, 2025, was supported by 1,100 security operatives, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Markets targeted during the crackdown included:
- Ariaria and Eziukwu Markets (Aba)
- Bridge Head Market (Onitsha)
- Idumota Market (Lagos)
Security forces sealed these locations to prevent traders from smuggling out illegal drugs.
Disturbing Findings in Drug Storage
Prof. Adeyeye exposed shocking violations in drug storage and distribution, including:
- Repackaging of expired USAID and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs and condoms for resale
- Discovery of Tafradol, a banned Indian drug exposed in a BBC investigation, in Onitsha
- Storage of vaccines and essential medicines in hazardous conditions—some were found in toilets, staircases, rooftops, and poorly ventilated rooms, where temperatures soared above 40°C, rendering them ineffective and dangerous.
Arrests and Future Plans
So far, NAFDAC has screened over 7,000 shops and made 40 arrests. A database of offenders and their shops has been compiled for prosecution.
The agency has announced that all confiscated counterfeit drugs will be destroyed publicly at the locations where they were seized.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC plans to relocate all open drug markets within the next year to six Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs)—one in each geopolitical zone.
NAFDAC’s War Against Counterfeit Drugs Continues
The operation is part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan (NAP 2.0) 2023-2027, aimed at eliminating fake medicines, strengthening regulatory compliance, and safeguarding public health.
Prof. Adeyeye’s efforts echo those of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, who survived assassination attempts while cracking down on drug cartels.
“This is purely an enforcement operation to protect public health and rid our country of falsified and substandard medical products,” she reaffirmed.
With the battle against counterfeit drugs intensifying, NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure a safer pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria.
