The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a large cache of concentrated industrial chemicals in Kano warehouse suspected to be used in the production of explosives .
The facility, located in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government Area, was sealed following a coordinated raid by NAFDAC operatives.
During the operation on Wednesday, the agency’s officials discovered a staggering 88,560 litres of corrosive acids, comprising 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid (with 90.5% concentration) and 28,560 litres of nitric acid (with 68% concentration).
The chemicals were stored in hundreds of containers, wuth over 330 empty jerricans suspected to have been used for illegal distribution.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who led the operation, said the warehouse was operating without permits from the Office of the National Security Adviser, as required for the storage and distribution of such controlled substances.
“The volume and concentration of these chemicals are mind-boggling. If mishandled or used for nefarious purposes, they have the potential to destroy an entire city,” Iluyomade said.
According to him, the warehouse manager was arrested at the scene, while the actual owner of the facility is currently at large. Investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and identify all individuals involved.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the incident as a major threat to national security.
She said:“This is beyond a regulatory breach; this is a potential catastrophe waiting to happen,” she stated, adding that the seized substances will be safely destroyed in accordance with environmental and safety protocols.”
She advised chemical dealers and distributors to adhere to regulatory procedures and warned that the agency would not hesitate to take firm action against any individuals or businesses flouting the law.
