NAFDAC uncovers explosive chemical stockpile in Kano warehouse

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down a warehouse in Kano after discovering large amounts of dangerous chemicals that could be used to make explosives.

The warehouse, located in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government, was sealed off on Wednesday. NAFDAC acted after receiving a tip-off and conducting an inspection.

Inside the warehouse, officials found:

• 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid
• 28,560 litres of nitric acid
• 330 empty jerricans

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, described the discovery as shocking. She was represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who said:

“What we’ve seen here is unbelievable. I’ve never seen this much nitric and sulphuric acid stored in one place before.”

NAFDAC confirmed that the warehouse owner is not a registered chemical dealer and does not have permission from the National Security Adviser, which is required for importing and handling such chemicals.

“These chemicals are tightly controlled because they can be used to make explosives,” Adeyeye explained.

“The quantity we found is enough to cause massive destruction if mishandled.”

The owner of the warehouse is currently on the run, and investigations are ongoing to find him.

NAFDAC said they are committed to ensuring the person is caught and made to explain how the chemicals were brought into the country and who they were intended for.

“This is a serious national security concern,” said Adeyeye.