The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit drugs, seizing 50 trailer loads of substandard medications from the Niger Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha. In a shocking development, the agency’s security team also recovered firearms and other weapons hidden within the market premises.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, disclosed this while addressing journalists, emphasizing that the presence of rifles, live cartridges, and a machete suggested a possible assassination attempt on Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Southeast Director, who regularly conducts debriefings at the location.
NAFDAC’s enforcement team, which has been stationed at the drug sections of Onitsha Bridgehead market since February 10, 2025, as part of a nationwide campaign against fake and counterfeit drugs, successfully foiled two break-in attempts by hoodlums targeting the seized drugs. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents and are currently providing useful information to law enforcement agencies.
Security Threats and Market Cooperation
“With the prompt intervention of our security team, we recovered a dagger, machetes, two guns, and rifles,” Adeyeye stated, as relayed by Iluyomade. “Night after night, individuals attempt to break in and disrupt our operations. Fortunately, we have apprehended several individuals who are now in custody.”
Despite these threats, NAFDAC commended the leadership of the market for their cooperation in the enforcement operations. The agency reassured traders that the exercise is not targeted at any particular group but is a national assignment aimed at protecting public health.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Fake Drugs
Adeyeye also confirmed that 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs have been secured and transported to a safer location for further processing. Meanwhile, some sections of the market are set to reopen this week as the agency moves to the next phase of the operation.
NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical markets are free from fake and dangerous drugs, which pose severe risks to public health.
