KANO, Nigeria – In a major enforcement operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday sealed off a warehouse in the Sabon Gari area after discovering a staggering 88,560 litres of potentially explosive chemicals stashed on the premises. The Kano State Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Shaba Muhammed, revealed that the stockpile comprises a mix of sulphuric acid, caustic soda, hydraulic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other hazardous substances.
Muhammed told journalists that the facility had been operating without proper certification or safety protocols, a serious violation given the volatile nature of the chemicals involved. Operators dealing with such substances are legally required to undergo specialised training, secure official permits, and adhere to regulated storage guidelines. The warehouse’s proximity to residential homes further heightened the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Following the raid, the warehouse was promptly sealed, and its operator was taken into NAFDAC custody. The suspect is now awaiting handover to the police as investigations intensify. Authorities have urged all communities to remain vigilant, especially around locations suspected of storing chemicals with explosive potential. They remind residents that ignoring such risks could lead to tragedy
In recent years, NAFDAC has intensified raids on illicit chemical traders across the country, citing incidents in Lagos and Kano that involved harmful substances and expired industrial materials. The agency emphasises that the misuse or diversion of restricted chemicals poses a grave threat not only to public health but also to national security.
Residents and market traders in Sabon Gari have welcomed the action, saying it sends a clear message: unlawful stockpiling of dangerous chemicals in residential areas will no longer be tolerated. NAFDAC has urged anyone with information on similar illicit operations to come forward. The crackdown is part of the agency’s broader mission to protect lives and restore confidence in chemical trade regulation.
