The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) arrested five individuals on Wednesday in Abuja for selling counterfeit cosmetics.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the arrests occurred in the Garki and Wuse areas during an operation aimed at curbing the distribution of substandard goods.

Speaking to journalists after the operation, Mr. Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the Head of Investigation and Enforcement for NAFDAC's Federal Taskforce, stated that the arrested individuals would be investigated.

Godiya emphasized NAFDAC's commitment to eradicating counterfeit cosmetics and other fake products from the country. He mentioned that the agency had been investigating these counterfeit cosmetics based on intelligence reports, noting that many of these products were illegally imported despite border security measures.

“NAFDAC is present at all the country's entry points, but smugglers often find ways to circumvent the government's systems. That's why, if they manage to get past the ports or borders, we go to the markets and other locations, gather intelligence, pursue them, and confiscate the products for possible prosecution,” Godiya said.

He stated that the market value of the seized cosmetics is N35 million and that NAFDAC would continue its investigation to determine the suspects' level of involvement.

Godiya added that after the investigation, NAFDAC's management would take regulatory action, which might include prosecuting the suspects.

He urged Nigerians to collaborate with NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit products in the country.