I cannot go anywhere without police – NAFDAC DG raises alarm over death threats

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has voiced concerns over threats to her life and that of her staff.

She called for urgent protection for NAFDAC operatives and advocated for the death penalty for those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Adeyeye detailed a large-scale enforcement operation at major open drug markets in Onitsha, Aba, and Lagos.

The agency seized fake and substandard drugs worth an estimated ₦1 trillion—the largest haul in NAFDAC’s history.

Recalling the threats faced by former NAFDAC DG, Prof. Dora Akunyili, during her anti-counterfeit drug campaign, Adeyeye revealed that a staff member’s child was recently kidnapped due to their work.

She also noted her own restricted movement, living under 24-hour police protection.

The crackdown, which began on February 9, 2025, involved 1,100 security personnel, including the military, police, and DSS.

Authorities seized 87 truckloads of illicit medical products, including antiretroviral drugs and contraceptives donated by USAID and UNFPA.

High-risk narcotics such as Tramadol, Rohypnol, and Diazepam—linked to crime and drug abuse—were also confiscated.

Adeyeye revealed that life-saving medications were found in unsanitary and unsafe storage conditions, including toilets and rooftops, making them ineffective or dangerous.

She urged the National Assembly to amend existing laws to impose harsher penalties, including life imprisonment and the death sentence, for counterfeit drug offenses.

So far, 40 arrests have been made, and a database of offenders has been compiled for prosecution.

Plans are underway to relocate all open drug markets to Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) within a year.

Meanwhile, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has petitioned the government and security agencies over the prolonged closure of the Ogbogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, calling for a fair investigation and reopening.

Additionally, NAFDAC has partially reopened some drug markets in Abia State after discussions with Governor Alex Otti.

However, officials warned against relabeling or selling counterfeit products, stressing that violators would face legal action.

Pharmacists and health experts continue to warn about the dangers of fake drugs, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect public health and national security.