The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says two suspects were arrested during a raid on an alleged illegal juice factory in Lagos, amid claims that underage children were hired to work at the facility.
A file photo of NSCDC personnel. X@official_NSCDC
Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have busted an “illegal” fruit juice factory at Badagry in Lagos State and arrested two female suspects during the raid.
In a now-viral online video, Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro and the NSCDC spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the operation was conducted after operatives encountered resistance from youths in the area.
He alleged that the products branded “Barkas Juice” were produced and uncovered at Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, on September 19, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m.
The Corps further alleged that underage children between the ages of 15 and 16 were being recruited in the production of the juice.
The video seen by Channels Television showed a truck loaded with the products still at the factory, apparently awaiting distribution.
Cartons of the drink and rolls of product labels were also seen inside the bungalow being used for production, while part of the building served as a residence.
A dirty well, which the NSCDC said was being used to source water for production, was also seen within the premises, alongside an unclean industrial storage tank.
“We are here at Alabi, Aradagun, particularly at Onilegbale in Badagry area of Lagos State.
“We are parading suspects and exhibits of production, sale and distribution of fake and adulterated fruit juice.
“Although not only in the Lagos market, but up to Edo State and other parts of Nigeria, unfortunately, two female suspects have been arrested in the operations. The suspects are between the ages of 48 and 50.
“They hire the services of underage children – boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 16.
“The products were found packed in packs and also loaded in containers. Most of the products are full of high-level sugar contents, water, additives, dyes, and different colours.
“And a glimpse and check of the NAFDAC portal to check the validity of these products, what we saw there is that the name of these products can not be found.
The name of these fruit juice ‘Barkas’”
Speaking while being interviewed, one of the female suspects said production is not usually all the time.
“We produce either three or four times in a year, and we supply even as far as outside Lagos. We have been in this business for as far as 20 years.”
The Corps added that further information on this matter will be provided, as the matter will be charged in court.
