The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medicinal products, including antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by USAID and UNFPA. The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing State House correspondents in Abuja.
Describing the operation as NAFDAC’s largest in history, Adeyeye revealed that the illicit drugs, valued at over N1 trillion, were confiscated from Nigeria’s major open drug markets—Ariaria and Eziukwu in Aba, Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, and Idumota Drug Market in Lagos.
The crackdown exposed shocking violations in drug storage and distribution. Donated antiretroviral drugs meant for HIV/AIDS patients were found expired, improperly stored, or repackaged for sale, undermining global efforts to combat the disease in Nigeria. Large stocks of male and female condoms were also discovered in unsafe conditions.
“Some of these products were stored in toilets, under staircases, and on rooftops, exposed to extreme temperatures that could degrade their effectiveness,” Adeyeye explained.
Additionally, the raid uncovered large quantities of controlled substances, including Tramadol, Rohypnol, Nitrazepam, and Diazepam—narcotics often linked to drug abuse and security threats.
Adeyeye revealed that counterfeiters have targeted her life and those of NAFDAC officials for disrupting their operations.
“I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I can’t go anywhere without police escorts,” she said, recalling an attempted assassination on a NAFDAC staff member in Kano, whose child was kidnapped but later escaped.
The enforcement operation, which began on February 9, 2025, involved 1,100 security personnel, including military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) agents. Security forces cordoned off markets to prevent traders from smuggling illegal drugs.
So far, 40 arrests have been made, with suspects facing prosecution.
NAFDAC has vowed to relocate Nigeria’s open drug markets within a year, establishing six Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) nationwide to ensure regulated drug distribution.
Adeyeye also advocated for the death penalty for those involved in producing and selling fake drugs, citing the severe health risks posed by substandard medicines.
“We must act decisively to protect Nigerians. These criminals profit at the expense of human lives,” she emphasized.
The Idumota and Aba raids have concluded, and non-violating shops have been reopened. However, the Onitsha operation continues, with violators facing legal action.
NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria are collaborating to enforce stricter regulations, aiming to eliminate the circulation of counterfeit drugs and improve public health safety in the country.
