The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the seizure of fake and unregistered malaria drugs worth over ₦1.2 billion during a major enforcement operation in Ilasa-Oshodi, Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Friday , NAFDAC confirmed that its operatives intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit Malamal Forte, a popular anti-malaria medication, concealed in a warehouse. The fake drugs were disguised as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and illegally imported into Nigeria from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group, China.
“The fake drugs were falsely declared as spare parts in the shipping container to evade detection,” the agency disclosed.
The warehouse, located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area, served as the distribution hub for the illicit pharmaceutical products, according to investigators. The interception is one of the largest in recent years and underscores the growing threat posed by counterfeit medicines in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
Reacting to the development, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health through strict enforcement actions against fake and substandard drugs.
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to safeguard the health of Nigerians and ensure only safe, effective, and quality medicines circulate in the country,” she said.
Adeyeye also credited the success of the operation to the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health, noting that collaboration with international partners and local intelligence networks has been key to recent breakthroughs.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the rise in fake pharmaceutical products across Nigeria. Health experts and pharmacists have raised alarms about the increasing availability of counterfeit drugs — especially antimalarials and antibiotics — which pose serious health risks, including treatment failure and drug resistance.
NAFDAC confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace the individuals and networks behind the illegal importation. The agency has vowed to prosecute all those involved and continue surveillance across ports, warehouses, and open markets.
Citizens are advised to purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies and report any suspicious or unregistered drugs to the nearest NAFDAC office.
