The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a warehouse in Kano containing 88,560 litres of highly concentrated and controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acids—both commonly used in the production of explosives.
The operation was revealed on Wednesday during a press briefing at the facility in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area. The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement.
Massive Stock of Dangerous Chemicals Discovered
According to NAFDAC, the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of 90.5% concentrated sulphuric acid and 28,560 litres of 68% nitric acid, as well as 330 empty jerricans that had already been used to distribute these substances.
“What we’ve uncovered here is staggering. I’ve never seen such a huge volume of highly concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid in a single location,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
Illegally Operated Facility, Owner on the Run
The warehouse was discovered following intelligence efforts by NAFDAC operatives. Upon inspection, only a warehouse manager was present—who has since been taken into custody.
“The individual operating this warehouse is not licensed as a chemical marketer. We maintain a national registry to track the importation, distribution, and use of these types of chemicals, and this location is not recognized,” the DG stated.
She added that importing or handling such chemicals requires special clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser, none of which were obtained.
“These substances, if mishandled, could cause destruction on a catastrophic scale. The quantity found here could wipe out a large portion of Kano,” she warned.
Investigation Underway to Track Fugitive Owner
The arrested manager is being interrogated to help identify and locate the warehouse owner, who remains at large. Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC will not rest until the suspect is apprehended and made to account for the illegal importation and distribution.
“This is a serious threat to national security. We are committed to ensuring those behind it face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
NAFDAC confirmed that the seized chemicals would be safely destroyed in accordance with regulatory guidelines to prevent any public health risk.
Background: NAFDAC’s Ongoing Crackdown
This development comes as part of NAFDAC’s broader efforts to regulate and sanitize chemical and drug distribution across Nigeria. Recently, the agency issued a two-week ultimatum to pharmaceutical traders in Lagos (Idumota), Onitsha, and Aba to register on its national database or face enforcement.
Between February and March 2025, NAFDAC conducted major raids across these drug markets, seizing more than 100 truckloads of counterfeit, expired, and unapproved pharmaceuticals.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and preventing criminal misuse of controlled substances across the country.
