The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse in Kano State stocked with large quantities of dangerous industrial chemicals capable of producing explosives.
The warehouse, located in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government, contained 88,560 litres of highly concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids—chemicals known to be used in making explosives.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the discovery as “deeply alarming.” She was represented during a press briefing at the scene on Wednesday by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement.
According to Iluyomade, the chemicals found included 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid with a concentration of 90.5% and 28,560 litres of nitric acid at 68% concentration. Investigators also found 330 empty jerricans, suggesting that some of the chemicals had already been distributed.
“This is shocking. I’ve never seen this amount of concentrated acid stored in one place,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
She added that the warehouse was discovered through a tip-off and that only one person—a manager—was found on the premises during the raid. He was immediately arrested.
NAFDAC stated that the supposed owner of the warehouse is not registered as a licensed chemical dealer, which makes the situation more suspicious.
“These types of chemicals are highly controlled. Only licensed professionals with proper security clearance can handle them,” Adeyeye explained. “In this case, no clearance or permit was provided.”
According to her, clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser is required to import such materials.
“These chemicals are not ordinary—they are ingredients for making explosives,” she said. “The amount we found here could destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled.”
NAFDAC confirmed it is now questioning the arrested warehouse manager while continuing its search for the main suspect. The agency also promised that the chemicals would be safely destroyed under strict environmental guidelines.
The agency assured the public that steps are being taken to ensure such illegal and dangerous activities are curbed, to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
