NAFDAC crushes N1.8bn fake drugs, counterfelt products in Abuja crackdown

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Wednesday destroyed substandard, falsified, expired and unwholesome regulated products worth over N1.8 billion in the Federal Capital Territory, declaring the proliferation of fake products a major threat to national security and public health.

Speaking during the 2026 NAFDAC FCT Special Destruction Exercise held in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation was part of intensified efforts to rid the country’s supply chain of dangerous and counterfeit products.

According to her, the exercise underscored NAFDAC’s determination to permanently remove fake medicines, illicit cosmetics, banned alcoholic beverages and other hazardous products from circulation to prevent unsuspecting Nigerians from falling victim.

“The proliferation of counterfeit, fake and substandard products is an issue of national security. This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring these dangerous products do not return to the market, “she said.

Products destroyed during the exercise included banned sachet alcohol below 200ml, narcotics, antibiotics, antihypertensive and antimalarial drugs, herbal snuff, counterfeit sachet milk, skin-lightening creams, fake Insecticides, medical devices and other expired products voluntarily handed over by companies and organisations.

Prof. Adeyeye ,who was represented by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Iluyomade Martins,
disclosed that the confiscated products had an estimated street value of N1,855,650,000.

She warned counterfeiters and criminal syndicates behind the illicit trade that NAFDAC would intensify enforcement operations and push for stiffer sanctions, including harsher penalties and asset forfeiture.

“This is not just a routine exercise but a strong warning to counterfeiters that their activities will be met with severe consequences. We are strengthening our enforcement strategies to track offenders, seize fake products and prosecute those involved,” she stated.

The NAFDAC boss called on political leaders, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and journalists to support the agency’s fight against fake and substandard products.

The NAFDAC boss called on political leaders, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and journalists to support the agency’s fight against fake and substandard products.

She also urged consumers to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Adeyeye commended the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, NDLEA, NSCDC and other security agencies for supporting NAFDAC’s enforcement operations across the country

The post NAFDAC crushes N1.8bn fake drugs, counterfelt products in Abuja crackdown appeared first on Vanguard News.