The intercepted 88,569 liters of explosive-making chemicals
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a warehouse in Kano containing 88,560 liters of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acids, suspected for use in manufacturing explosives.
The discovery was announced on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a press briefing at the facility in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State.
Represented by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Adeyeye revealed that the warehouse held 60,000 liters of 90.5% sulphuric acid, 28,560 liters of 68% nitric acid, and 330 empty jerricans, suggesting prior distribution to unknown recipients.
“The sheer volume of concentrated nitric and sulphuric acids stored here is unprecedented and alarming,” Adeyeye stated, underscoring the potential danger.
The chemicals were uncovered by alert NAFDAC officers, but only the warehouse manager, an employee, was present and apprehended during the raid.
Adeyeye noted that the warehouse owner, who remains at large, is not a registered chemical marketer.
“These are controlled substances requiring permits and clearance from the National Security Adviser, none of which were obtained,” she said.
“Such chemicals can be used to produce explosives, and the quantity here could devastate Kano if mishandled.”
NAFDAC is interrogating the arrested manager to track down the owner and identify the recipients of the distributed chemicals.
“This is a critical national security matter, and we will ensure the owner faces justice to explain the source and destination of these chemicals,” Adeyeye vowed.
She assured the public that the seized chemicals would be safely destroyed according to regulatory standards to prevent any risk to public safety.
