THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated 88,560 litres of Sulphuric and Nitric acids contained in gallons in a warehouse in Kano.
The seizure was made at Kwakwaci, Fagge local government area of the state.
The chemicals, which could be used for other purposes, such as production of fertilizer, are ingredients for manufacturing explosives and the volume seized could destroy the whole of Kano state, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC, told reporters on Wednesday.
Iluyomade said the discovery is mind-boggling, because the acids are controlled chemicals that require authorisation of the National Security Adviser NSA before anyone can bring them into the country.
He said he was surprised to find out that the owner is not even enlisted as a chemical marketer in the data base of the country where the uses of such chemicals are monitored.
“There are procedures for bringing them in and disposing them. This is because, these chemicals you see here are used to manufacture explosives.
“So this has serious implication to our security, more so that there are found in this large volume by one person,” he said.
He disclosed that since four days ago when the warehouse was discovered, the owner has been at a large.
“But we are on his trail to bring him to justice. He must tell us how these things got into the country, for what purpose and for who -are they the kind of people we are looking for,” Iluyomade added.
On how the discovery was made, he said: “Following intel and surveillance by our galant officers, they were able to get this warehouse where controlled precusors chemicals are illegally being sold and distributed.
“I have never seen this volume of Nitric acid and Sulphuric acid concentrated together in one place.
“These acids are controlled chemicals and are not to be handled by just anybody. Before you bring them in you need import permit and clearance from the National Security Adviser (NSA).”
Breakdown of the seizures by Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, included: Sulphuric acid (98.5%) 20 litres X 1,479 gallons; Sulphuric acid (98.5%) 30 litres X 1,014 gallons; and Nitric acid (68%) 30 litres X 952 gallons.
“We have 20 litres and 30 litres capacities for the kegs. The total for the Sulphuric acid is 60,000 litres and the Nitric acid we have 28,560 litres, totalling combined kegs of 88,560 litres,” Ibrahim said.
A thorough check in the facility revealed 411 empty gallons, indicating the kegs of the chemicals dispensed or sold. The manager of the place, one Alhaji Sani Bala, 74, has been arrested.
He told reporters that he and his principal have been in the business at Kwakwaci, whose company name was given as “Victor Chidi Ike General Enterprises,” for two years.
Bala said they get supplies from Ogun state.
NAFDAC said: “The culprit will be interrogated on the sources of these illicit controlled chemicals and his distribution outlets.
“Eventually the company will be prosecuted by a competent court of law in accordance with the extant laws of the land.”