The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a warehouse in Kano stocked with large quantities of dangerous, controlled chemicals often used in the production of explosives.

The discovery was made on Wednesday in the Kwakwachi area of Fagge Local Government Area. The agency revealed that the facility contained 88,560 litres of chemicals, including 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid (at 90.5% concentration) and 28,560 litres of nitric acid (at 68% concentration). Additionally, 330 empty jerricans that had previously contained unknown quantities of chemicals were also found on-site.

Speaking during a press briefing at the scene, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye—represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade—described the find as alarming.

“I’ve never seen this amount of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acid stored in one place before. It is truly shocking,” Adeyeye stated.

She emphasized that the warehouse owner is not registered as a licensed chemical dealer and had bypassed all regulatory requirements for importing and handling such substances. “These acids are classified as controlled substances, requiring permits and clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser—none of which were obtained,” she said.

She warned that the volume of chemicals present could cause massive destruction if mishandled, stressing the grave security implications.

The agency disclosed that only a warehouse manager was present at the time of the operation. He has since been arrested as efforts continue to trace the fugitive owner.

“This is a critical national security concern. We are currently interrogating the arrested individual to uncover how these chemicals were imported and who the end users are,” Adeyeye said.

She assured the public that the chemicals would be safely and properly destroyed according to NAFDAC’s regulatory protocols to ensure public safety.