PCN seals 722 medicine premises in Bauchi, recovering Tramadol and codeine syrups during enforcement.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 722 medicine premises during a comprehensive four-day enforcement exercise across Bauchi State, targeting illegal operators and regulatory violations.
Suleiman S. Chiroma, the Head of Department for Enforcement at the council, disclosed the outcome at a press conference in Bauchi on Thursday, 15 October 2026, detailing the scope of the state-wide crackdown.
The operation led to the immediate closure of numerous non-compliant facilities and the recovery of dangerous controlled substances, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Regulatory crackdown on Bauchi medicine premises
The enforcement team visited a total of 950 medicine premises across multiple local government areas in Bauchi State, inspecting 92 pharmacies, 527 patent medicine shops, and 331 illegal outlets.
Out of the inspected facilities, 722 premises were ultimately sealed, which included 52 pharmacies, 339 patent medicine stores, and all 331 identified illegal outlets operating without any form of registration.
Chiroma noted that illegal premises accounted for 46 percent of all facilities sealed due to serious regulatory breaches, highlighting a significant challenge for public health authorities in the region.
Seizure of Tramadol and controlled substances
During the enforcement exercise, officials discovered that several Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor shops were engaging in the unauthorized sale of controlled medicines meant for abuse.
Authorities recovered restricted pharmaceutical products particularly within the Bayan Gari area of Bauchi Metropolis, pointing to illicit distribution networks operating outside the law.
Recovered items included Tramadol Hydrochloride, Flunitrazepam known as Rohypnol, Diazepam, and codeine-containing cough syrups whose sale by patent medicine vendors is strictly prohibited.
Common violations in pharmaceutical stores
The inspection teams uncovered widespread infractions among licensed and unlicensed operators, raising concerns about safety standards across the pharmaceutical sector in Bauchi State.
Common violations included poor record keeping, improper signage, unhygienic environments, and unrestricted access to dangerous poisons by unauthorized persons, including apprentices in training.
Furthermore, many vendor shops were found stocking ethical medicines, injectables, and intravenous infusions, which directly violates the provisions of the Approved Patent Medicine List.
PCN directive for continuous state monitoring
Following the operation, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the council, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, directed the sustenance of continuous enforcement across all states.
The council warned that every premises handling medicines will remain under strict regulatory supervision, noting that future violations will attract prompt sanctions.
Members of the public were advised to obtain pharmaceuticals exclusively from licensed facilities that clearly display a valid and current operating licence as proof of authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What agency sealed medicine premises in Bauchi?
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria sealed 722 medicine premises across Bauchi State during a four-day enforcement operation targeting illegal and non-compliant operators.
What controlled drugs were recovered by the PCN?
The enforcement team recovered restricted substances including Tramadol Hydrochloride, Rohypnol, Diazepam, and codeine-containing cough syrups from unauthorized vendor shops.
Why were so many medicine shops closed in Bauchi?
Shops were sealed due to operating without registration, stocking unauthorized ethical medicines, poor record keeping, unhygienic environments, and illegal sales of controlled drugs.
How can patients verify a legitimate pharmacy in Nigeria?
The public is advised to buy medications only from premises licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, which must display a valid and current operating licence.
