The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made a shocking discovery in Kano State — a warehouse stockpiled with industrial chemicals suspected to be capable of producing deadly explosives.
The facility, located in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area, was found to contain an alarming 88,560 litres of highly concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids — both substances that can be used to manufacture explosives.
During an inspection of the site on Wednesday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the discovery as “deeply alarming.” She was represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, who broke down the shocking figures: 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid (90.5% concentration) and 28,560 litres of nitric acid (68% concentration). Officials also found 330 empty jerricans, suggesting that some chemicals had already been distributed to unknown buyers.
“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,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
The warehouse was traced following a tip-off to NAFDAC, but when officials stormed the location, they found only the warehouse manager, who was immediately arrested. The owner of the facility, however, remains at large — and troublingly, he is not registered as a licensed chemical marketer.
“The owner is not listed as a chemical marketer. We keep a database to monitor the importation, use, and disposal of such chemicals. These acids are controlled substances that must not be in the hands of just anyone,” Adeyeye explained.
She emphasized that importing such chemicals requires strict security clearance and permits from the National Security Adviser, none of which were available for this warehouse.
“Permit and clearance are critical because these chemicals can be used to manufacture explosives,” she warned.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, the sheer volume of chemicals found posed a grave threat to public safety.
“The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled,” she added.
NAFDAC has launched an investigation into the matter, questioning the arrested warehouse manager to track down the main suspect and determine where the distributed chemicals may have ended up. The agency also assured the public that all seized chemicals will be safely destroyed in line with environmental and safety regulations.
