The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recovered a cache of weapons, including two rifles, live cartridges, a machete, and other dangerous items, concealed by unknown individuals at the Niger Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State. The discovery was made during the agency’s ongoing nationwide operation to combat the circulation of fake and counterfeit drugs.
NAFDAC’s security team uncovered the hidden weapons as part of its intensified efforts to sanitize the drug market and protect public health. The agency has been conducting raids at the Onitsha Bridgehead Drug Market since February 10, 2025, as part of a broader campaign to eradicate counterfeit and substandard drugs being distributed by illicit cartels.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians by eliminating harmful and fake pharmaceutical products from the market. She described the discovery of the weapons as a concerning development, highlighting the lengths to which some individuals may go to protect their illegal operations.
“The recovery of these weapons underscores the challenges we face in our fight against counterfeit drugs and the dangerous networks behind them. It also reinforces the need for continued vigilance and collaboration with security agencies to safeguard public health,” Adeyeye stated.
The ongoing operation at the Onitsha market is part of NAFDAC’s nationwide crackdown on fake and substandard drugs, which pose significant risks to public health. The agency has been working tirelessly to dismantle the operations of cartels involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which often lack the necessary active ingredients or contain harmful substances.
NAFDAC has called on market stakeholders, including traders and consumers, to cooperate with the agency in its efforts to rid the market of fake drugs. The agency also urged the public to report suspicious activities or products to its offices, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to achieving a safer and healthier society.
The discovery of the weapons has raised concerns about the potential for violence and resistance from those involved in the illicit drug trade. NAFDAC has assured the public that it will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to address these threats and ensure the success of its operations.
As the clampdown on counterfeit drugs intensifies, NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigerians from the dangers of fake and substandard pharmaceutical products. The agency’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance public awareness, and promote the availability of safe and effective medicines across the country.
