NAFDAC blocking terrorists access to chemicals for explosives – Director

The Director of Chemical Research and Evaluation at the National Drug Enforcement Agency, Dr. Leonard Omopariola said the regulation and control of chemical in the country have contributed to a reduction in bombings by non-state actors, particularly in the North-East.

He highlighted that the regulations enforced by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in collaboration with the National Drug Enforcement Agency and other entities, have made chemicals required for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices and bombs scarce for terrorists.

Omopariola also stated at the Chemical Security Programme held in Abuja on Wednesday that restricting access to urea and ensuring its local production have prevented terrorists from using it to make explosives.

He noted that the concept of chemical security gained prominence after the World Trade Centre attack in the United States of America.

Omopariola further said that after the attack, one of the measures taken to prevent a reoccurrence was the regulation of chemicals.