The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, has busted an alleged illegal juice production facility in Aradagun, Badagry, arresting two women in connection with the operation.

The operation was carried out on Monday, September 21, 2026, following intelligence received by the Corps over activities at the facility. The development was disclosed by the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin.

According to Abolurin, operatives who stormed the facility discovered the production and distribution of Barkas Juice, with quantities of already packaged products found on the premises. Some of the packaged juice was allegedly being loaded into container vehicles for distribution to markets across Lagos.

Operatives also discovered materials including sugar, water, adhesives, dyes and other colourants allegedly used in the production process. The NSCDC spokesperson further alleged that juveniles between the ages of 15 and 16 were involved in activities at the facility.

Arrests and a Disputed Account

Two women were arrested following the operation, though their identities were withheld as investigations continue. However, one of the arrested women offered a different account of the facility's operations, disputing the circumstances surrounding the raid.

According to her, the business was founded by her grandmother and had been in existence for nearly 20 years before operational challenges disrupted regular production. She claimed the facility was in the process of renewing its registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and that production only occurred three or four times a year based on customer orders.

She also disclosed that she owns a shop at Oke Arin Market in Lagos and that her major customer was a trader based in Benin City. The conflicting accounts could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Investigation Ongoing

The NSCDC said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the facility's operations and determine whether any laws were breached. The Corps added that the arrested suspects would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction at the conclusion of investigations.

The development comes amid broader concerns over the production and distribution of consumable products in unregulated environments, particularly where questions arise about safety, registration and manufacturing conditions. The NSCDC said further details would be made available as the investigation progresses.