The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) operatives have uncovered 88,560 litres of controlled acids, sulphuric and nitric, stockpiled illegally in a warehouse in Kwakwaci, Fagge LGA of Kano State.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, said the chemicals, stored in 3,445 containers, are capable of producing explosives and pose a significant threat to national security.
He said the suspect, who is not a licensed chemical marketer, fled the scene but is currently being trailed.
"These chemicals require authorisation from the Office of the National Security Adviser. This volume is enough to destroy Kano. We are investigating who imported them and for what purpose," Iluyomade said.
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NAFDAC's Kano Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, provided details of the haul: 1,479 containers of 20 litres and 1,014 containers of 30 litres of sulphuric acid; 952 containers of 30 litres of nitric acid; and 411 empty gallons.
In a related development, NAFDAC also destroyed 491,000 tablets of Tramadol hydrochloride (225mg), seized at the Birniwa/Maigatari border axis of Jigawa State by the Nigeria Customs Service. The drugs were intercepted en route from the Niger Republic.
Speaking at the destruction event held at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital's incinerator, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC DG, represented by Dr. Iluyomade, said the operation reaffirms the agency's commitment to fighting illicit drugs and protecting public health.
