The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and counterfeit medicinal products, including life-saving medications donated by USAID and UNFPA, in a major operation across Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed the shocking findings, including expired antiretroviral drugs and condoms meant for HIV/AIDS prevention, which were improperly stored or resold illegally.
“We found these drugs in poor storage conditions—stacked in toilets, under staircases, and rooftops in environments with temperatures high enough to denature pharmaceuticals,” said Adeyeye. “Some products were stored at temperatures that violated strict cold-chain storage requirements, rendering them potentially ineffective.”
The operation, launched on February 9, 2025, has already resulted in 40 arrests and the removal of over 87 truckloads of illicit drugs from three major drug markets—Ariaria in Aba, Idumota in Lagos, and Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market. The drugs seized are valued at N1 trillion ($1.3 billion), and the figure is expected to rise as the investigation continues.
“This is the largest operation in NAFDAC’s history,” Adeyeye emphasized. “We are determined to eliminate counterfeit drugs and protect public health.”
As part of the nationwide crackdown, 1,100 security operatives, including police, military, and Department of State Services agents, have been deployed. The operation has seen the closure of over 7,000 shops, and violators will face prosecution.
In her briefing, Adeyeye expressed concern for her safety, stating that counterfeiters have threatened her life and those of her staff members. “I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. My life is under constant threat,” she said.
The operation forms part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan 2.0 (2023-2027), which aims to eliminate counterfeit medicines and safeguard public health across the country.