The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a warehouse in Kano after uncovering 88,560 liters of controlled chemicals, including sulfuric and nitric acid, key components used in manufacturing explosives.
The warehouse, located in the Kwakwaci area of Fagge Local Government, was immediately shut down after NAFDAC officials discovered the massive cache. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, told reporters on Wednesday that the importation of such chemicals without proper authorization raises serious national security concerns.
“These acids are controlled substances that should never be handled by unauthorized individuals,” Iluyomade said. “Importing them requires clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser and official permits—none of which the warehouse owner possessed.”
He emphasized that while the acids can be used in fertilizer production, the sheer volume uncovered could have catastrophic consequences if mishandled.
“The volume we have here is enough to destroy the entire city of Kano if left unchecked,” he said. “We will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Someone has to explain how these chemicals were imported and who they were being supplied to. This is not just a regulatory issue, it’s a matter of national security.”
The warehouse manager, identified as Alhaji Bola Sani, is currently in custody. During interrogation, he revealed that he and his principal had operated from the Kwakwaci location for two years under the company name “Victor Chidi Ike General Enterprises.” He claimed their supplies came from Ogun State.
NAFDAC confirmed that the manager will be prosecuted and the chemicals destroyed in accordance with safety protocols.
This latest bust follows a string of recent seizures. NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed that Nigerian Customs recently handed over 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg—valued at N91 million—that were intercepted at the ports.
NAFDAC continues to intensify its war on illegal drug and chemical distribution across the country. This operation is a clear warning to illicit dealers and importers: the agency is watching, and accountability is non-negotiable.
