The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse in Kano containing 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acids commonly used in the production of explosives.
The discovery was made on Wednesday at a facility located in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during a press briefing at the site. She was represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement.
According to the agency, the warehouse was stocked with 60,000 litres of 90.5% concentrated sulphuric acid and 28,560 litres of 68% concentrated nitric acid, along with 330 empty jerricans whose contents had already been distributed to unknown individuals.
“What we’ve seen here is alarming. I don’t recall ever seeing this volume of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acids stored together in one location,” Adeyeye said.
She explained that the illegal stockpile was uncovered by vigilant NAFDAC operatives. Upon inspection, only the warehouse manager—an employee—was present and was immediately arrested.
Adeyeye emphasized that the owner of the warehouse is not registered as a chemical marketer and did not possess the necessary clearances or permits required for importing such sensitive substances. “These are controlled chemicals that must not be handled by unlicensed individuals,” she stated.
“Clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser and proper importation permits are mandatory because these chemicals can be used to manufacture explosives,” she added. “The volume discovered here, if mishandled, could cause catastrophic damage—potentially wiping out an entire city like Kano.”
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The agency is currently interrogating the arrested warehouse staff to identify and apprehend the owner, who remains at large.
“This is a serious national security threat,” Adeyeye warned, assuring that NAFDAC will follow all regulatory procedures to ensure the safe destruction of the seized chemicals and prevent any risk to public safety.
