By Abigail Philip David
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, for the second time in two years, as part of a major crackdown on counterfeit goods.
During its latest operation, dubbed *Operation Clean Up Aba*, NAFDAC uncovered and seized fake and substandard food and beverages valued at over ₦5 billion. The market has long been infamous for being a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage operations.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market” and a vital step toward protecting public health.
“This operation marks a significant victory in the fight against counterfeit products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said in a statement on Tuesday.
The raid led to the discovery of over 240 makeshift factories manufacturing fake versions of popular brands under unsafe and unsanitary conditions. These factories produced counterfeit products such as Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt using contaminated water, harmful chemicals, and recycled bottles.
“These counterfeiters use dangerous chemicals, saccharin, and coloring agents unsuitable for human consumption. Alcoholic drinks are adulterated with cheaper sugars and starches instead of the proper ingredients like fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
The operation also resulted in the destruction of more than 1,500 cartons of fake products on-site, with the total value of seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion. Additionally, three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt were uncovered, with plans by the counterfeiters to revalidate and resell the expired products.
NAFDAC praised the Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, for its critical support in facilitating the operation.
“The support from Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been instrumental in the success of this mission,” Adeyeye said.
The agency called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“We are committed to safeguarding public health and eliminating fake and substandard products from our markets,” Adeyeye reassured the public.
