The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has condemned a violent attack on its officials during an enforcement operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

In a statement released on November 4, 2025, and signed by Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency described the incident as a “premeditated assault intended to harm senior NAFDAC officials, including the Director of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E).”

The operation, part of NAFDAC’s efforts to curb the sale and distribution of fake, substandard, and unwholesome products, began peacefully before a group of alleged hired thugs armed with dangerous weapons disrupted the exercise. The attackers demanded the identity of the Director and vandalized about ten operational vehicles belonging to NAFDAC and other security agencies.

NAFDAC alleged that the market’s Chief Security Officer had instructed all cluster leaders to lock the gates, trapping the enforcement team and preventing their safe exit. At the time of the incident, several cartons of counterfeit, banned, and unwholesome products had already been confiscated.

The agency commended the Nigeria Police and Military personnel attached to the operation for their professionalism and restraint, which ensured the safety of all officers on duty.

Reaffirming its commitment, NAFDAC stated: “The Agency reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and ensuring that only safe, quality, and effective products are available in the country. All individuals involved in this criminal act will be brought to justice. NAFDAC will not be intimidated or deterred from fulfilling its mandate.”