The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unleashed one of its most powerful operations against the notorious counterfeit food and beverage hub in Aba, Abia State. Dubbed Operation Clean Up Aba, the agency successfully uncovered and destroyed counterfeit goods worth an estimated ₦5 billion. The raid targeted over 250 factories within the infamous Cemetery Market, widely known as the base of one of Africa’s largest counterfeit beverage cartels.
This marks the second time in just two years that NAFDAC has shut down operations in this area. The first raid in 2023 also resulted in the confiscation of substandard goods, but the latest operation has far exceeded expectations. It revealed disturbing details about the alarming conditions under which fake versions of popular brands like Hennessy, Coca-Cola, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt were being produced and sold.
“Operation Clean Up Aba is not just another raid, but the most decisive action in the history of this market,” said Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General. “Our goal is to protect public health by ridding Nigerian markets of these hazardous products.”
The operation unearthed a staggering number of makeshift factories—over 240 of them—engaged in producing fake alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks under unsanitary and unsafe conditions. These factories were using harmful chemicals, contaminated water, and even recycled bottles to make counterfeit products. The makeshift factories, which lacked any form of quality control, were churning out popular brands that unsuspecting consumers regularly purchase.
“We found that these criminal elements were using cheap sugars, starches, and harmful chemicals to produce counterfeit alcoholic drinks,” Adeyeye explained. “They were mixing saccharin and cheap colouring agents instead of the high-quality ingredients that should be in these products, like grapes for wines and fruits for juice drinks.”
In total, more than 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed in an on-site operation that also confiscated products from major international brands such as Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, and Sprite. These items were being produced and distributed across the region, putting unsuspecting consumers at serious health risk.
The counterfeit production facilities were also found to be operating under conditions that were unfit for any kind of manufacturing, let alone food and beverage production. “The lack of sanitation was appalling,” Adeyeye remarked. “In some of these places, water sources were contaminated, and the facilities were infested with pests. This is not just a violation of NAFDAC regulations, but a direct threat to the health of the public.”
While the focus of the raid was on beverages, NAFDAC also discovered expired food products, including stockpiles of Hollandia Yoghurt. Three warehouses were uncovered in Aba, storing large quantities of this expired yoghurt, which were being revalidated for sale despite being unsuitable for consumption.
The bust has sent shockwaves across the country, highlighting the extent of the counterfeit beverage market. “We had no idea these fake beverages were being produced in such vast quantities,” said Olajide, a resident of Aba. “It’s shocking to learn that some of the drinks we buy every day could be harmful to our health.”
The NAFDAC raid comes at a time when the Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to curb the spread of substandard products, which have posed a persistent threat to public health. The recent crackdown has drawn praise from the government of Abia State, particularly Governor Alex Otti, who has voiced his full support for the operation.
“Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State government have been instrumental in making this operation a success,” Adeyeye stated. “Their support, along with that of the Mayor of Aba South and the interim market management committee, has been crucial in shutting down these dangerous operations.”
The NAFDAC Chief also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious products. “We urge consumers to always check the authenticity of products before purchasing. If something seems off, report it to the nearest NAFDAC office,” Adeyeye said, adding that the agency is committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerian consumers.
The operation is expected to serve as a wake-up call to the broader Nigerian marketplace about the dangers posed by counterfeit food and drink products, and to act as a deterrent to those seeking to exploit lax regulations. NAFDAC’s efforts are also seen as a critical part of the nation’s broader fight against illegal activities in the food and beverage industry, which has been under pressure from both local and international watchdogs.
Despite the success of the raid, Adeyeye warned that the battle against counterfeiting is far from over. “This operation is a major victory, but we are fully aware that counterfeiters will try to regroup. NAFDAC will continue to monitor these activities and ensure that violators face the full weight of the law,” she said.
In a country where the counterfeit food and beverage industry continues to thrive in the shadows, NAFDAC’s latest operation shines a light on just how dangerous these illegal activities can be. For the citizens of Aba and beyond, the impact of this operation could very well mark a turning point in the battle against counterfeit goods in Nigeria.
