Source: Agency Report

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse in Kano State containing 88,560 litres of dangerous controlled chemicals commonly used to manufacture explosives.

The discovery was made in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area by vigilant NAFDAC operatives who acted on intelligence and conducted an unannounced inspection.

Alarming Quantities of Acids Found

During a press briefing at the scene on Wednesday, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, expressed shock at the volume and concentration of chemicals stored in the facility.

“What we have seen here is mind-boggling. I don’t think I have ever seen this quantity of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid together in one place like this before,” she said.

According to NAFDAC, the warehouse held:

• 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid (90.5%)
• 28,560 litres of nitric acid (68%)
• 330 empty jerricans that had already been dispensed to unidentified persons.

Unregistered Storage and National Security Risk

The Director-General explained that the warehouse owner was not registered as a chemical marketer and did not possess the required permits or clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“These acids are controlled chemicals that are not to be handled by just anybody. Importing such materials requires national security clearance,” she said.

Mrs Adeyeye warned that the volume of acids discovered posed a serious public safety threat, stating that “the volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled.”

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

Only the warehouse manager was found on the premises and has since been arrested for interrogation, while the actual owner remains at large.

“We will ensure he is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported, and who he was supplying them to. This is a serious national security issue,” the DG said.

Proper Disposal Assured

NAFDAC emphasized that the chemicals would be safely and properly destroyed in accordance with regulatory standards to prevent any further risk to the public.

“Public safety is our utmost concern. These substances must be removed from circulation immediately and disposed of safely,” she said.

This operation highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring and compliance in the handling and importation of industrial chemicals, especially in regions with ongoing security challenges.