NAFDAC Seizes Over 10 Million Doses of Fake Malaria Drugs, Cosmetics Worth ₦3bn in Lagos
...Arrests 4 Suspects
In a major crackdown on the circulation of counterfeit medical products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized over 10 million doses of fake malaria drugs and cosmetic products valued at three billion Naira at the Trade Fair Market in Lagos.
The agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martin Iluyomade made the disclosure during a media briefing in Apapa on Monday.
Iluyomade, who is also the chairman, Federal Task Force (FTF) on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods revealed that the team acted on credible intelligence received on February 3, 2026.
The seized fake drugs include anti malaria drugs and injections for cerebral malaria; antibiotics; postinor and analgin product that has been banned for almost 15 years in the country, amongst others.
According to Iluyomade, eight truck loads of fake drugs and cosmetics products were evacuated from the three storey building which purportedly served as warehouse for spare parts.
A total of four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure, while investigation continues, in what the force chairman described as one of the major breakthrough for the agency.
“What we saw in the warehouse is one of the major discovery by the agency of late. They have perfected the act of hiding drugs in unconventional places that you don’t expect to find such products.
“These medicines were packed in alarming numbers inside this warehouse, different types of life saving drugs that are very important and products that has been banned for years by NAFDAC. These drugs were cloned and it was quite difficult for the authorised manufacturers to identify the original and fake drugs which was quite disturbing.
“This is not a major breakthrough for NAFDAC alone but for Nigerians because what we seized from the warehouse can kill three million Nigerians if it enters the market”, he said.
He said the Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye led NAFDAC team would not relent on its effort to rid the country of fake and unwholesome products to safeguard the health of the nation.
“We have zero tolerance for counterfeit and fake drugs, with the help of God and Nigerians, the agency will dismantle these organised syndicates that are killing Nigerians with their products”.
Iluyomade urged major drug distributors to source their products strictly from NAFDAC-accredited manufacturers, and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.
