The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Wednesday in Kano, uncovered and sealed a warehouse stocked with 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acid, used for explosives in Kano.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the Agency, made the announcement while briefing reporters at the facility in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area of the state.
Adeyeye, represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, stated that the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of 90.5 percent sulphuric acid and 28,560 litres of 68 percent nitric acid, as well as 330 empty jerrycans whose contents had been dispensed to unknown persons.
“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,” Adeyeye said.
The DG claimed that the chemicals were identified by watchful NAFDAC investigators and that when they arrived, only the warehouse manager, an employee, was found and arrested.
She warned, “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.
“Importing such chemicals requires clearance from the National Security Adviser and permits, none of which the owner possessed.
“Permit and clearance are important because these chemicals are used to manufacture explosives.
“The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled.”
According to her, NAFDAC is currently interrogating the arrested warehouse manager to trace the owner, who is still at large.
“We will ensure that he is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported and who he was supplying them to.
“This is a serious national security issue,” she lamented.
Adeyeye stated that the substances will be destroyed in accordance with regulatory processes to ensure public safety.
