Safety: Regulators nab 5 suspects, seize fake soaps, disinfectants and unregistered chemicals in Anambra

*Officers discovered an extensive stockpile of unregistered chemicals, fake medicated and antiseptic soaps, and counterfeit versions of popular disinfectant brands—none of which were approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control

Isola Moses ConsumerConnect

In line with the authorities’ continued clamp down on all unregulated and dangerous goods circulating in the state, operatives of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, popularly called, “OCHA Brigade”, in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, have raided and sealed off an illegal disinfectant manufacturing factory.

ConsumerConnect reports the authorities shut the manufacturing plant located at 14, Chris Ugoezu Street, Odume Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) is the enforcement arm of the Anambra State Government, tasked with ensuring a clean, healthy, green, livable, and productive state.

It actively works to enforce environmental regulations, including addressing issues like waste management, roadside trading, and noise pollution.

The officers uncovered an extensive stockpile of unregistered chemicals, fake medicated and antiseptic soaps, and counterfeit versions of popular disinfectant brands, according to report.

The agency said the country’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) did not approve the confiscated materials in the factory.

Speaking on the operation, Celestine Anere, Managing Director of OCHA Brigade,  told reporters Wednesday, May 1, 2025, in Onitsha, that the early morning raid took place Tuesday, April 29, following a coordinated effort of the brigade at clamping down on all unregulated and dangerous goods circulating in Anambra.

OCHA noted that among other materials discovered during the raid were a stockpile of unregistered chemicals, fake medicated and antiseptic soaps, and counterfeit versions of popular disinfectant brands.

Anere also disclosed the factory was operating without licences, using manual-mixing equipment, unlabelled chemicals, thinners, and counterfeit packaging materials to produce dangerous household items for consumers.

He further said during the raid, the OCHA operatives arrested five suspects, who were currently undergoing interrogation, while a manhunt had been launched for other fleeing suspects.

Anere explained: “Officers discovered an extensive stockpile of unregistered chemicals, fake medicated and antiseptic soaps, and counterfeit versions of popular disinfectant brands—none of which were approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

“This is not just illegal—it is a direct threat to public health.”

The Managing Director of OCHA Brigade said: “We uncovered thousands of fake liquid disinfectants and soaps being prepared for unsuspecting members of the public.

“The Federal and state governments have zero tolerance for this kind of criminality and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone endangering their lives.”

He as well warned stakeholders in the stakeholders, that similar operations would continue across the state to rid Anambra of illegal businesses that compromise consumer health and safety standards.

Anere, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious industrial activity within their communities to the market regulatory agency.

The OCHA Chief stated: “The confiscated items have been taken in for proper disposal and investigations are ongoing to apprehend all individuals connected to the illegal operation.

“This raid underscores the Anambra State Government’s intensified efforts to enforce health, safety, and environmental laws through the OCHA Brigade and other enforcement agencies.”