The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has begun a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from circulation in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the products.

The agency disclosed in a statement that the exercise is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to enforce the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

According to NAFDAC, the operation follows the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive and forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health.

“NAFDAC enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify, seize, and remove banned products from circulation,” the statement said.

NAFDAC advised manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.

The agency warned that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages amounts to a violation of the law and could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.

It explained that the enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.

NAFDAC also appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by avoiding the purchase of the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line.

A combined security team comprising operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command, troops of the 144 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force has repelled a terrorist attack on Garaha Village in Hong Local Government Area.

The police command said on Wednesday night that the joint team gained the upper hand against the attackers after responding promptly and forcing them to retreat towards the Sambisa Forest.

The police said the successful operation averted a fresh assault on communities in Hong, which have frequently come under attack, adding that one offensive weapon was recovered from the fleeing terrorists.

The information was contained in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Kabiru Umar Hassan, commended the bravery, professionalism, and synergy among the security agencies,” Nguroje said.

Nguroje also disclosed a separate case involving the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a suspect.

“The stolen vehicle, which was reported missing after it was parked at Sammy Store adjacent to Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport, Yola, was recovered through prompt public information and swift police response,” he stated.

He added that the suspect, Omega Gubo, 59, of Rumde Baru Ward, Jimeta, Yola, was arrested in connection with the case.

“Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws,” he assured.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons during an intelligence-led operation in the Imota area of the state.

The Command disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation followed credible information from members of the public about the activities of suspected cultists in the area.

Acting on the intelligence, police operatives stormed the location and arrested Jelili Adeyemo, 37, who is alleged to be the armourer of the group, Bisoye Adewale, 42, and John Okeafo, 60.

Items recovered from the suspects include one Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, seven Dane guns, 10 live cartridges, seven expended cartridges, one stun gun, two handcuffs, four cutlasses and other exhibits.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Aiye Confraternity.

The Command further disclosed that the recovered Beretta pistol allegedly belongs to a notorious cultist identified as “Mayibone,” who is currently on the run.

“The suspects have been arraigned and remanded, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons,” the statement noted.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

He urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing crime-fighting efforts.

The Command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.