A major counterfeit rice production and distribution network has been dismantled in Nasarawa State following a strategic raid by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The operation, which took place on Thursday, led to the sealing of a clandestine factory and eight retail shops involved in the sophisticated counterfeiting scheme.
The factory, operating under the name Ninjur Ventures, was strategically concealed behind a residential building at 44 Abacha Road in Karu, Nasarawa State. NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Taskforce discovered an elaborate operation where counterfeit versions of popular rice brands were being packaged and distributed, causing significant concern for consumer safety and market integrity.
During the raid, authorities uncovered a vast collection of counterfeit products, including fake bags of rice and empty sacks bearing the names of well-known brands such as Royal Stallion, Big Bull, Mama’s Choice, Optimum, and Ultimate Gold. The counterfeited products were packaged in both 25kg and 50kg configurations, demonstrating the operation’s substantial scale and sophisticated nature.
The enforcement action resulted in the arrest of Ms. Gift Thomas, a worker at the factory, though the facility’s owner, identified as Eze Dike, was notably absent during the operation. When questioned about the presence of new branded bags in the warehouse, Thomas attempted to deflect responsibility, claiming the bags originated from other sources and suggesting that non-employees had access to the facility. Her assertion that the factory had ceased operations on Tuesday was contradicted by evidence indicating recent distribution activities.
Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the Federal Capital Territory, revealed that the nationwide enforcement exercise was initiated under the direct orders of the agency’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye. The operation aims to eliminate counterfeited food products from the market, particularly during the festive season when consumer demand typically surges.
Speaking to journalists after the enforcement exercise, Azikiwe emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance approach to counterfeiting and product falsification. Our primary objective is to ensure that only safe, high-quality, wholesome food products are available to Nigerian consumers, especially during this yuletide season and beyond,” he stated.
The investigation leading to Thursday’s raid was prompted by intelligence reports and formal complaints from legitimate manufacturers whose brands were being counterfeited. The scope of the operation extends beyond the sealed factory, with authorities having previously seized approximately 400 bags of counterfeit rice from Wuse market. The total street value of seized products is estimated at N5 billion, comprising roughly 1,600 bags in both 25kg and 50kg sizes.
The sophisticated nature of the counterfeiting operation has raised serious concerns about food safety and consumer protection. The factory’s strategic location behind a residential facility suggests a deliberate attempt to evade regulatory oversight, highlighting the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in combating food fraud.
NAFDAC’s intervention extends beyond the factory, with eight additional shops along Old Karu Road in Nasarawa state being sealed for their involvement in packaging and selling counterfeit rice. Two shop owners were arrested alongside Thomas, signaling the agency’s commitment to addressing both production and distribution networks of counterfeit products.
Azikiwe emphasized that the operation is part of a broader nationwide campaign that will continue as long as necessary. He advised consumers to exercise increased vigilance when purchasing food products, recommending that they verify NAFDAC registration, examine product packaging quality, check batch information, and purchase only from reputable retailers and distributors.
The scale of this counterfeiting operation underscores the significant challenges facing food safety regulators in Nigeria. The ability of counterfeiters to replicate popular brands and operate within established market networks poses serious risks to public health and economic stability. NAFDAC’s successful intervention demonstrates the agency’s growing capability to detect and disrupt sophisticated counterfeiting operations, while also highlighting the need for continued vigilance and enhanced regulatory oversight in the food sector.
As legal proceedings against the arrested individuals commence, NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the full extent of regulatory sanctions against those involved in food counterfeiting. The agency’s actions serve as a strong deterrent to others who might contemplate similar illegal operations while reassuring consumers of ongoing efforts to protect their interests and ensure food safety across the nation.
