Corps alleges ‘Barkas Juice’ was produced with unapproved ingredients and child labour for distribution across Nigeria
Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have raided an alleged illegal fruit juice factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State, arresting two women during the operation.
The operation was carried out at Talabi Onilegbale Street, Aradagun, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, on September 19, 2026, at about 9pm.
Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, and the corps spokesperson, Oluwaseun Abolurin, disclosed details of the operation in a video shared online.
The officials said operatives encountered resistance from youths in the area during the raid before gaining access to the premises.
According to the NSCDC, the factory was allegedly producing and distributing fruit juice branded “Barkas Juice” to markets in Lagos, Edo State and other parts of the country.
Two female suspects, aged between 48 and 50, were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Corps also alleged that children between the ages of 15 and 16 were being engaged in the production process.
A video from the operation showed a truck loaded with the products inside the premises, apparently awaiting distribution.
Cartons of the alleged fruit juice and rolls of product labels were also seen inside the bungalow, part of which was reportedly being used as a residence.
The NSCDC further alleged that a dirty well within the premises was being used as a source of water for production. An industrial storage tank was also seen at the facility.
Keshinro said the products were allegedly made with high levels of sugar, water, additives and dyes.
He added that an initial check of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) portal did not show the name “Barkas” among registered products.
One of the arrested women, while speaking during the operation, said the factory did not produce the drinks regularly.
She claimed they produced the juice about three or four times a year and supplied it to customers outside Lagos, adding that they had been involved in the business for about 20 years.
The NSCDC said further details would be released as the investigation progresses, adding that the case would be taken to court.