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NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa
NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a factory and eight shops in Nasarawa State for packaging, selling, and distributing counterfeit rice.
Acting on an intelligence report, the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Taskforce uncovered an operation on Thursday on Thursday involving fake rice products worth an estimate.
The factory, Ninjur Ventures, located at 44 Abacha Road in Karu and hidden behind a residential property, was found to be packaging and distributing counterfeit rice under various popular brand names.
Products seized included fake bags of rice and empty sacks branded as Royal Stallion, Big Bull, Mama’s Choice, Optimum, and Ultimate Gold, in 25 kg and 50 kg sizes.
Relevant documents linked to the operation were also confiscated.
During the raid, NAFDAC apprehended a factory worker who denied involvement and claimed that the factory had ceased operations two days earlier.
She further alleged that the branded bags found in the warehouse did not belong to the facility, while the factory owner was absent at the time of the operation.
In addition to the factory, NAFDAC sealed eight shops on Old Karu Road, which were also implicated in packaging and selling counterfeit rice.
Two shop owners were arrested alongside Thomas.
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Speaking after the raid, the Director of NAFDAC in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kenneth Azikiwe, emphasised that the enforcement was part of a nationwide operation directed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, aimed at eliminating counterfeit food products from circulation, particularly during the festive season.
“This exercise shows the extent of counterfeiting in food products. The packaging materials we discovered reveal how these criminal elements deceive unsuspecting Nigerians into believing they are purchasing genuine products.
“NAFDAC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeiting and ensures that only safe, high-quality food products reach consumers,” he said.
Azikiwe disclosed that complaints from manufacturers, combined with intelligence reports, led to the operation, saying, “These brands are being counterfeited, and we’ve received complaints from manufacturers.
“Through intelligence, we traced these activities to specific locations, such as the Karu factory where we found packaging materials for various brands being used to produce fake rice.”
He also revealed that approximately 1,600 bags of fake rice, mostly in 25 kg and 50 kg sizes, were confiscated from the factory and other locations, bringing the total street value of seized counterfeit products to about N5 billion.
Revealing that NAFDAC had already seized over 400 bags from Wuse Market in an earlier operation, Azikiwe said, “This is a nationwide operation, and it will continue because these criminal activities persist.
“The individuals involved will face the full force of the law in line with NAFDAC regulations.”
He, however, advised consumers to purchase food products only from reputable sources and to verify the authenticity of items by checking for proper registration, batch information, and quality.
“Nigerians should ensure that the food products they buy are registered by NAFDAC and purchased from trusted distributors or stores to avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods,” he added.
NAFDAC seizes N5bn fake rice, seals factory in Nasarawa
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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.
The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.
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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.
“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.
The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.
“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.
Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship
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Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.
A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.
The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.
According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.
It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.
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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.
“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.
“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.
“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.
Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba
(NAN)
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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.
“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.
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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.
Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.
This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.
NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment
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