The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has uncovered and shutdown a warehouse filled with 88,560 litres of controlled chemicals, including sulphuric and nitric acid, used for explosive in Kano on Wednesday.
This development was made known by the director-general of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye while briefing newsmen at the facility in Kwakwachi, Fagge Local Government Area in Kano.
The director-general, represented by the director of investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Dr Martins Illuyomade, noted that the storehouse contained 60,000 litres of sulphuric acid at 90.5 per cent, and 28, 560 litres of nitric acid at 68 per cent, together with 330 empty jerricans whose content had been sold to unknown individuals.
Adeyeye said, “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 a 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 and permits, none of which the owner possessed.
“Permit and clearance is important because these chemicals are used to manufacture explosives.
“The volume we have here is enough to destroy the whole of Kano if mishandled.
“We will ensure that he is brought to justice. He needs to explain how these chemicals were imported, and who he was supplying them to.
“This is a serious national security issue.”
In addition, the NAFDAC director noted that the agency is currently questioning the warehouse manager to track down the owner.
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