The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has condemned a violent attack on its enforcement team during an operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency described the incident as a premeditated assault targeting senior officials, including the Director of Investigation and Enforcement.
According to NAFDAC, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the sale of fake, substandard, and unwholesome regulated products. The exercise began peacefully before a group of alleged hired thugs, armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the venue and disrupted proceedings.
The attackers reportedly demanded to identify the Director before vandalising about ten operational vehicles belonging to NAFDAC and other security agencies. The agency further alleged that the market’s Chief Security Officer had ordered all cluster leaders to lock the gates, trapping the enforcement team and hindering their exit.
“At the time of the attack, several cartons of counterfeit and banned products had already been discovered and confiscated in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
NAFDAC commended the police and military officers present for their professionalism and swift response, which ensured the safety of officials on duty.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health, the agency vowed to pursue justice for those involved in the attack.
> “NAFDAC will not be intimidated or deterred from its mission to ensure that only safe, quality, and effective products are available in Nigeria,” the statement added.
