ONITSHA— The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit drugs, revealing the seizure of 50 trailer loads of fake and substandard pharmaceuticals at the Niger Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State. In the course of the operation, NAFDAC’s security team also recovered two rifles, live cartridges, a machete, and other dangerous weapons concealed within the market premises. The ongoing enforcement campaign, which began on February 10, 2025, aims to eradicate fake drug cartels operating across Nigeria, thereby safeguarding public health. Weapons Discovered Amidst Crackdown While addressing journalists at the market, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, expressed shock at the discovery of the hidden weapons. She viewed the incident as a possible assassination attempt on the agency’s Southeast Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who routinely carries out security briefings at that location. Represented by Dr. Iluyomade, Adeyeye confirmed that NAFDAC’s security team successfully thwarted two infiltration attempts by unidentified individuals trying to access the storage facility where the confiscated counterfeit drugs were kept. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently providing useful information to security agencies. Nationwide Crackdown on Fake Drugs Continues Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the nationwide anti-counterfeit drug operation, Adeyeye assured the public that the exercise is not targeted at any individual or group but is a crucial national assignment aimed at protecting public health. “With swift security interventions, we recovered a dagger, machetes, and firearms. Over the past few nights, several individuals attempting to breach our secured storage facility have been apprehended and are now in custody,” she stated. Collaboration with Market Leaders and Next Steps The NAFDAC boss also commended the cooperation of market leadership throughout the enforcement exercise. She announced that certain sections of the market would be reopened within the week as the agency moves on to the next phase of the operation. The 50 trailer loads of confiscated counterfeit and substandard drugs have been transported to a secure location for further regulatory action. For more details on NAFDAC’s efforts to eliminate counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, visit the official NAFDAC website or refer to trusted sources like the World Health Organization. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
A coalition of traders from the Ogbo Ogwu Bridgehead market in Onitsha, Anambra State, operating under the Unite Nigeria Group (UNG), has initiated legal action against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and three other entities. The traders have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, accusing the agencies of forcefully entering their shops, seizing goods worth billions of naira without a valid court order or search warrant. Legal Action Against Authorities Over Onitsha Drug Market Raid The lawsuit names Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Southeast Zonal Director of NAFDAC, the Director-General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Anambra State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as respondents. Representing themselves and fellow members of UNG, the applicants—Comrade Peter Okala, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Prof. Samuel Anidike, and Comrade C.C. Enwereonwu—are seeking N1 billion in exemplary and general damages for the economic losses suffered due to the alleged unlawful actions at the Ogbo Ogwu market, located at Niger Bridgehead, Onitsha. Traders Demand Compensation and Return of Seized Goods Filed under Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/40/2025, the traders’ motion is based on the enforcement of their fundamental rights, citing Sections 34, 35, 41, 43, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). Additionally, they reference Order 2, Rules 1, 2, and 3 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and the Federal High Court’s Inherent Jurisdiction. Aside from financial compensation, the traders seek a judicial declaration that the confiscation of goods worth an estimated N500 billion without due legal process violates their constitutional rights. They are also requesting the court to compel the respondents to return all seized goods, including pharmaceutical products, and to issue a restraining order preventing further raids without legal authorization. Market Disruptions and Economic Implications The continuous closure of the Onitsha drug market has disrupted commerce and left many traders facing financial instability. Industry analysts believe that such enforcement actions, if carried out without due process, could have long-term economic consequences on the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria (source). Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
