The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has discovered and sealed a warehouse containing massive quantities of industrial chemicals capable of producing explosives in Kano State.
Located in Kwakwachi within Fagge Local Government Area, the facility was found to house approximately 88,560 liters of hazardous substances, including highly concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids.
During an inspection on Wednesday, NAFDAC's Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who represented the Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the discovery as "mind-boggling" and deeply alarming.
"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," Dr. Iluyomade stated.
According to NAFDAC officials, the warehouse contained 60,000 liters of sulphuric acid at 90.5% concentration and 28,560 liters of nitric acid at 68% concentration. Additionally, 330 empty jerricans were discovered, indicating that some chemicals had already been distributed to unknown recipients.
The agency revealed that they traced the warehouse following a tip-off. Upon arrival, only the warehouse manager was present and was immediately taken into custody for questioning.
NAFDAC officials confirmed that the listed owner of the warehouse is not recognized as a licensed chemical marketer, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the operation.
"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 chemicals that are not to be handled by just anybody," explained Prof. Adeyeye through her representative.
The NAFDAC Director-General emphasized that importing such chemicals requires strict regulatory compliance, including security clearance and permits from the National Security Adviser, none of which were available in this case.
"The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled," she warned, highlighting the severe public safety threat posed by the chemicals.
With the primary suspect still at large, NAFDAC has begun interrogating the arrested warehouse manager to trace the supply chain and determine the intended destination of these potentially dangerous substances.
The agency has assured the public that the seized chemicals will be properly destroyed in accordance with environmental and safety regulations to prevent any misuse.
Stay updated on this developing story and other important news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
