NAFDAC arrests six suspects, seals shops in Kano over the illegal distribution of unapproved bleaching creams posing risks to public health
Unapproved bleaching creams Nigeria distribution has triggered a fresh wave of regulatory enforcement as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) arrested six suspects and sealed multiple shops in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.
The arrests followed a series of public complaints received through social media, prompting a swift directive from the agency’s director-general.
Mr Kasim Ibrahim, NAFDAC’s Kano State Coordinator, disclosed during a press briefing that the agency had conducted covert surveillance and mystery shopping activities before executing the raid.
The operation targeted individuals allegedly distributing bleaching products disguised as beauty spa treatments, despite containing harmful and unapproved substances.
“Following complaints received through various social media channels and a directive from the director-general, we carried out discreet surveillance and mystery shopping on the products in question,” Ibrahim said.
NAFDAC identified six individuals engaged in these illegal practices. Their products, now under laboratory analysis, were found to violate several regulatory provisions.
Shops involved in the sale of these creams were sealed, and other companies faking registered cosmetics were also shut pending further investigation.
According to Ibrahim, the operation was executed in collaboration with the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate. He explained that beyond the arrests, the agency took samples of the offending products to assess their chemical composition and health risks.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the widespread use of unregulated skin-lightening products, which have been linked to serious dermatological and systemic health issues.
NAFDAC emphasised its constitutional mandate to monitor and control the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of regulated products, including cosmetics.
“It is in fulfilment of this mandate that we took action to prevent potential public health disasters of significant magnitude. These criminal activities posed serious threats to public safety,” Ibrahim said.
He also called on Nigerians to remain watchful and report any suspicious cosmetic or pharmaceutical activities to the agency, citing the ongoing commitment of NAFDAC under Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye’s leadership to protect citizens’ well-being.
“We encourage all Nigerians, if you see something, say something, to help prevent public health emergencies,” he urged.
The agency extended its gratitude to media partners for amplifying public awareness and reiterated that enforcement efforts will continue across the country to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
