NAFDAC Uncovers Warehouse Containing Explosive-Making Chemicals In Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, announced the sealing of a Kano warehouse stocked with over 88,567 litres of explosive-making and other dangerous chemicals.

At a media briefing in Kano, NAFDAC Director-General Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, informed that the warehouse located in in the Kwankwachi area of Fagge Local Council of Kano State, was laden with controlled chemicals, such as sulphuric and nitric acid, mainly used for the production of highly potent explosives.

The DG, who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, stated that about 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid at 90.5 per cent and 28,560 litres of nitric acid at 68 per cent, were found in the warehouse.

Also, contained in the warehouse, according to the NAFDAC DG, were about 330 empty jerrycans whose contents had been dispensed to unknown persons.

She expressed shock over the quantity and lethal nature of the chemicals uncovered in the warehouse.

Such dangerous chemicals she noted, have grave implications for the security situation of the country given their importance in the production of explosives.

“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.

“The owner is not listed as a chemical marketer. We keep 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, NSA, and permits, none of which the owner possesses.

“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”, Prof Adeyeye noted.

This is as she assured of the Agency’s determination to bring the owner of the chemicals and all those involved to account.

“We will ensure that he ( owner) is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported, and who they are being supplied to. This is a serious national security issue”, the NAFDAC DG stated.