Metro

NAFDAC Shuts Over 11,000 Shops Selling Illicit Drugs, Arrests 40 Suspects

Published

7 months ago

February 22, 2025

Editor

…Evacuates 77 Truckloads in Aba, Onitsha, Idumota

…Says Crackdown Aims to Protect Lives, Not Disrupt Trade

…Laments Discovery of USAID-Donated Drugs in Markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down over 11,000 drug shops across Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota as part of a nationwide crackdown on illicit drug sales. The agency also arrested 40 suspects linked to the distribution of unregistered and dangerous drugs.

Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed that over 77 truckloads of counterfeit and illicit drugs had been evacuated—27 from Idumota, 30 from Onitsha, and over 20 from Aba.

She revealed that the operation has so far resulted in the closure of 3,027 shops in Idumota, 4,000 in Onitsha, and another 4,000 in Aba’s Osisioma area, with enforcement still ongoing.

Adeyeye described the discoveries as “mind-blowing,” revealing that the agency found:

Expired drugs with fraudulently altered expiration dates.

Controlled substances like Tramadol and Analgin, which have been banned in Nigeria.

Vaccines and antiretrovirals meant for free distribution, including those donated by USAID, being sold illegally.

Machines used to change drug expiration dates, making expired medicines appear valid until 2028.

Drugs stored in unsanitary locations, including toilets and poorly ventilated warehouses.

She estimated that the value of confiscated drugs runs into trillions of naira.

“We Are Protecting Lives, Not Disrupting Trade”

Addressing concerns from traders, Adeyeye insisted that NAFDAC’s actions were aimed at protecting public health rather than disrupting businesses.

“We are trying to safeguard the future of our young people from harmful drugs. We want to ensure patients recover with genuine medicine and not fake products that worsen their conditions,” she stated.

She also warned Nigerians against purchasing drugs from unauthorized sources:

“If you bought medicine from a street corner, throw it away. Only buy from a reputable pharmacy.”

Adeyeye lamented staff shortages and called for greater government support, revealing that over 1,000 security personnel were involved in the operation—400 in Onitsha, 350 in Aba, and 250 in Idumota.

She urged the federal government to tighten border security, as most of the counterfeit drugs were smuggled into the country.

“Our porous borders are making our job more difficult. We need more manpower to stop these harmful products from entering Nigeria.”

NAFDAC has vowed to expand enforcement to other states and work with sister agencies to ensure compliance.

“This is just the beginning. We will not stop until the menace of substandard and falsified drugs is eradicated from Nigeria,” Adeyeye declared.
(Vanguard)

Metro

Police Foil Robbery Attacks On Anambra Roads, Recover Vehicles

Published

14 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Anambra State Police Command said it has repelled armed robbery attacks in Oba and Awka areas of the state, with two stolen vehicles earlier snatched by the robbery gang recovered.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the police patrols have continued to foil plans of criminals following the security and safety measures put in place by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

Ikenga added that the swift response and coordinated chase by police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka and police operatives attached to Oba Division, led to the recovery of the snatched vehicles from the criminals at different operations.

The statement read in part, “Police operatives have recovered two abandoned, but suspected snatched vehicles in Oba and Awka, respectively. Efforts are, however, ongoing to apprehend the culprits.

“The swift response and coordinated chase by Police Operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, led to the recovery of a snatched Lexus ES 350 car with registration number Lagos – BDG 350 JR, along Parkers Road, Awka, on September 4, 2025, at about 10.10 pm.

“Four armed men, operating in a tricycle without a registration number, had earlier blocked the victim along Ifite Road, Amaenyi, forcing him to abandon his vehicle before they fled the scene with it.

“Similarly, in the early hours of September 5, 2025, police operatives attached to Oba Division received information that a black Lexus RX 300 Jeep with registration number Anambra – AWK 31 DU, had been abandoned by yet-to-be-identified persons around Mummy Hotel axis, along Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, Oba.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives moved swiftly to the location and recovered the vehicle, which has since been towed to the station for safekeeping.

“To this end, the command appreciates the good people of Anambra for their timely and useful information, noting that effective collaboration between the Police and the public remains a key strategy in combating crime.”

Metro

Gunmen Kill NSCDC Personnel In Edo, Abduct Expatriate

Published

14 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The gunmen also abducted one of the Chinese expatriates, and injured four persons.

An officer of the agency who disclosed this to journalists in Benin on Saturday on the condition of anonymity, said the persons injured were currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to him, four Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt.

He said the incident happened at the company’s entrance, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at about 10PM, when the officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.

He said: “The suspected kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the NSCDC personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State.

“The attackers laid an ambush at the company’s entrance. They opened fire sporadically, engaging NSCDC operatives in a gun duel. Despite the loss of personnel, NSCDC operatives successfully rescued four expatriates.

“The armed group escaped into the bush with one abducted expatriate.

“The surviving NSCDC personnel repelled further assault and secured four expatriates safely.

“The injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care,”

The officer said that the Edo State Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, had visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured are being treated.

He also disclosed that joint security operations with sister agencies have commenced, combing the surrounding forest in pursuit of the perpetrators.

“As I speak with you, our personnel and other security agencies are combing the bush through which the kidnappers escaped. We are making every effort to ensure that the abducted expatriate is freed unhurt and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he noted.

Metro

New Edo Line Passengers Abducted

Published

14 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

Now fewer than 18 passengers of the New Edo Line and Toyota Corolla car were on Friday reported abducted.

The victims, said to be Abuja bound passengers, were forced into the bush by the kidnappers before men of the Nigerian Police Force arrived the scene

A viral video from the scene of the incident showed a long queue of vehicles parked on both sides of the express road.

Contacted, Edo tate Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Iyamu confirmed, the incident, stressing that sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far.

He noted that police have intensified search in collaboration with local vigilante and hunters to ensure the release of the other passengers in the kidnappers’ den.