The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a massive stockpile of highly dangerous chemicals in a warehouse located in Kano State, raising serious security concerns over the potential for their misuse.
According to a statement by the agency, the operation led to the discovery of 88,000 liters of acid substances, including highly concentrated nitric acid (68%), sulfuric acid (98.5%), and an oxidizing agent—all chemicals believed to be capable of being used in the manufacture of explosives.
NAFDAC disclosed that the substances, suspected to have been illegally imported into Nigeria, were found stored in large kegs inside the warehouse during a recent surveillance and enforcement operation.
“The nature and concentration of the chemicals discovered indicate a strong possibility that they were intended for the production of explosives or other dangerous weapons,” the agency stated, noting that the discovery poses a grave threat to national security and public safety.
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Authorities have since sealed the warehouse as a precautionary measure and launched a full-scale investigation into the origin of the chemicals and their intended destination.
The agency confirmed the arrest of the warehouse manager, while the main suspect and owner of the consignment remains at large. Efforts are currently underway to trace and apprehend the fugitive.
NAFDAC warned that the incident underscores the critical dangers of unregulated chemical importation, stressing the need for stricter border checks, licensing procedures, and continuous surveillance to prevent the infiltration of dangerous substances into the country.
The agency called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to chemical storage or distribution, assuring Nigerians that it is working closely with security agencies to avert any threat arising from the illegal stockpile.