The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a cache of weapons, including rifles, live cartridges, and machetes, hidden by unidentified individuals at the Niger Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State. The discovery comes amid an ongoing nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals.
Addressing journalists at the market, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, expressed shock over the discovery, describing it as a potential assassination attempt on the agency’s Southeast Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who regularly conducts debriefings at the location. Professor Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Iluyomade, confirmed that security operatives also foiled two break-in attempts at warehouses where seized counterfeit drugs were stored, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
She reassured the public that the operation would continue uninterrupted, emphasizing that it is a national effort aimed at safeguarding public health rather than targeting any specific individuals or groups.
“With swift intervention from our security team, we recovered a dagger, machetes, two rifles, and other weapons. Several individuals attempting to infiltrate the market at night have been arrested and are currently providing useful information,” she stated.
Despite the security threats, Professor Adeyeye commended market leaders for their cooperation during the enforcement exercise. She also disclosed that sections of the market would be reopened in the coming days, while NAFDAC shifts focus to the next phase of the operation.
So far, the agency has seized and relocated over 50 trailer loads of counterfeit and substandard drugs from the market to a secure location for further action.
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