NAFDAC discovers rifles at Onitsha drug market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed shock following the discovery of rifles at the popular Onitsha drug market, near the Niger Head Bridge.

The startling find was made during an ongoing crackdown on suppliers and marketers of fake and counterfeit drugs in the market.

The operation, aimed at sanitizing the pharmaceutical trade, has already led to the seizure of 50 trailers loaded with counterfeit drugs.

Speaking on the development, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the discovery of weapons in a drug market raises serious security concerns and underscores the need for stricter enforcement.

Adeyeye also said that among discoveries made at the drug market include riffles, live cartridges, matchets and other kinds of weapons.

She added that since February 10, 2025, the agency has been on the crackdown of substandard drugs in its campaign to protect Nigeria’s public health.

According to her, there are possibilities that some unknown persons are planning the assassination of the agency’s South-East Director, Martins Iluyomade.

Iluyomade has been quite active in the crackdown on business owners who engage in importation and production of counterfeit drugs in the popular market.

Represented by Iluyomade, the NAFDAC DG said the team in collaboration with security operatives foiled two different attempts by hoodlums who tried to break into the agency’s facility where seized drugs were stored.

“With the swift intervention of our security team, we recovered daggers, machetes, two guns, and rifles. Several individuals attempting to break in have also been arrested and are currently in custody, providing useful information,” Adeyeye stated.