Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has formally requested an explanation from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding allegations that a highly toxic chemical substance was imported into Nigeria.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and acknowledged as received by ONSA on February 11, 2026, El-Rufai asked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to clarify reports that approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate were procured from a supplier in Poland.
El-Rufai said he was writing “as a concerned citizen” and stressed that his inquiry was aimed at ensuring transparency, public safety, and adherence to regulatory standards.
According to scientific sources, Thallium sulphate is an extremely toxic chemical compound. It is described as a tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline powder that was historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide.
Due to its severe toxicity, the substance has been banned or strictly regulated in many countries. A fatal human dose is estimated to be as low as 8–12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Medical experts note that thallium can mimic potassium in the body, leading to serious health consequences, including nervous system damage, hair loss, organ failure, and potentially death.
In the letter titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai asked the NSA’s office to provide detailed information about the alleged acquisition.
He wrote:
“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.”
Given the hazardous nature of the chemical, El-Rufai outlined six specific areas where he requested clarification:
- The intended purpose and end-use of the imported substance.
- The identity of the supplier and whether the importation was conducted under an existing chemical or defence permit.
- The total quantity and the specific form or concentration of the substance procured.
- The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival in Nigeria.
- Whether there was regulatory coordination with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other relevant public health or environmental bodies.
- Whether any public health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans were developed, considering the compound’s extreme toxicity.
El-Rufai stated that his inquiry was not meant to create political tension but to promote accountability.
“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed. Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he said.
He also requested either a formal response or a designated contact person within the NSA’s office for further engagement.
Agencies and Political Leaders Copied
For transparency, El-Rufai said copies of the letter were sent to:
The Director-General of NAFDAC
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
The inquiry comes amid ongoing tensions between El-Rufai and the National Security Adviser.
Recently, there were claims that Ribadu ordered El-Rufai’s arrest, allegedly resulting in a confrontation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. El-Rufai has also alleged that an individual intercepted communications suggesting the NSA’s involvement in the attempted arrest.
As of the time of this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser has not publicly responded to the allegations regarding the reported chemical procurement.
Watch the video:
