THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge LGA, Kano, containing 88,560 litres of highly concentrated chemicals used in the production of explosives.
The agency disclosed the discovery during a media briefing held at the scene yesterday.
Representing the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said the stockpile included 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid (90.5%) and 28,560 litres of nitric acid (68%), along with 330 emptied jerricans believed to have been distributed to unknown recipients.
“This is shocking. I’ve never seen such an enormous quantity of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid stored in one location,” Adeyeye said.
The warehouse, whose owner remains unidentified, is not registered as a licensed chemical marketer.
According to NAFDAC, handling such hazardous substances requires clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser and valid importation permits—none of which were found.
“These are strictly regulated chemicals due to their use in manufacturing explosives. The volume discovered here could cause massive destruction if mishandled,” Adeyeye warned.
The agency confirmed that the warehouse manager was apprehended at the scene and is currently being interrogated to trace the main suspect. Efforts are ongoing to bring the owner to justice.
Adeyeye emphasized the national security implications of the find and assured that the confiscated chemicals would be safely destroyed according to regulatory procedures to ensure public safety.