The Lagos State Task Force has apprehended eight individuals for the sale of contaminated turkey originally seized by the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos State.
This development was communicated through a press release issued by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, spokesperson for the Lagos State Task Force.
According to Abdulraheem, the arrests took place during a raid conducted on Sunday in the Epe area of the state.
The task force uncovered that numerous cartons containing contaminated turkey, initially confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service and incinerated at a designated dumpsite, had somehow resurfaced in the hands of unscrupulous sellers attempting to market them to the public.
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“I am relieved that we intervened before this situation escalated further. With the ongoing battle against cholera outbreaks in some parts of the city, we cannot afford additional crises. Our duty is to safeguard the welfare of our citizens and prevent malicious acts from jeopardizing public health,” the statement read.
CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Task Force, who led the operation, emphasized that goods condemned by federal agencies, such as those deemed unfit for consumption and subsequently destroyed, must not be allowed to re-enter the market.
He highlighted the severe health risks associated with consuming contaminated foods, including cancer and organ diseases.
“All contaminated items have been recovered and brought to our headquarters, and the arrested suspects will face prosecution,” Akerele affirmed, underscoring the agency’s commitment to protecting Lagosians from health hazards at all costs.
