The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has uncovered an alleged illegal juice production facility in Badagry and arrested two women in connection with its operation.
The facility was discovered on Monday, September 21, during an operation by the Corps.
According to the NSCDC, already-packaged juice products were found at the facility, with some allegedly prepared for distribution to markets across Lagos.
The Lagos NSCDC Public Relations Officer, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, said some of the products were being prepared for transportation in container vehicles.
He said the identities of the two women arrested were being withheld pending the completion of investigations.
Abolurin also alleged that teenagers aged between 15 and 16 were involved in activities at the facility.
Items recovered during the operation reportedly included sugar, water, adhesives, dyes and colourants, which the Corps said were being used in the production of the juice.
One of the suspects reportedly told investigators that the facility was established by her grandmother and had operated for almost two decades before it was shut down due to operational challenges.
She also claimed that efforts were being made to renew the facility’s registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to the suspect, production took place only three or four times a year, depending on customer orders.
The NSCDC said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the facility’s operations, the nature of the products manufactured and their distribution network.
The Corps added that the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of the investigation.