NAFDAC uncovers warehouse stocked with chemicals for explosives in Kano
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse stocked with 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acid, used for explosives in Kano.
The Director-General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this while briefing newsmen at the facility on Wednesday in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.
Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, said the warehouse contained 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid at 90.5 per cent, and 28,560 litres of nitric acid at 68 per cent, alongside 330 empty jerricans 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,” she said.
The DG said that the chemicals were discovered by vigilant NAFDAC officers, adding that upon arrival, only the warehouse manager, an employee, was found and arrested.
“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 is important because these chemicals are used to manufacture explosives.
“The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled,” she said.
She said that the agency was interrogating the arrested warehouse manager to trace the owner, who was at large.
NAFDAC uncovers warehouse stocked with chemicals for explosives in Kano
