Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has formally sought clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the alleged importation of a highly toxic chemical, Thallium Sulphate, reportedly sourced from Poland.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and acknowledged as received on February 11, El-Rufai said he was writing “as a concerned citizen” to request details regarding what he described as the procurement of about 10 kilograms of the substance by the office led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The correspondence, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” questioned the purpose of the chemical, the regulatory framework under which it was allegedly imported, and the safeguards in place to prevent potential misuse or public health risks.
Thallium sulphate is internationally recognised as an extremely hazardous compound. Historically deployed as a rodenticide and insecticide, it is odourless, tasteless and colourless - properties that heighten its danger. Due to its toxicity, with fatal exposure levels estimated at between 8 and 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, the substance is tightly regulated or prohibited in many countries.
Against this backdrop, El-Rufai asked the NSA’s office to clarify the intended end-use of the material, the identity of the supplier, and whether the importation complied with existing chemical control or defence regulations. He also sought disclosure of the exact quantity and formulation involved.
Additionally, the former governor requested information on how the substance is being stored and secured, and whether relevant oversight bodies - including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) - were consulted or involved in monitoring compliance. He further inquired about any public health risk assessments or mitigation measures developed in relation to the compound.
El-Rufai stressed that his request was made in good faith and not intended to inflame political tensions. According to him, ensuring adherence to due process and safety standards is essential for maintaining public trust in national institutions.
He asked for a formal response or a designated contact person within the NSA’s office for further engagement. Copies of the letter were sent to the heads of NAFDAC and NCDC, as well as to the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The development comes amid reported tensions between El-Rufai and the National Security Adviser. The former governor recently alleged that Ribadu had ordered his arrest following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He also claimed that a third party had intercepted communications implicating the NSA in efforts to detain him - assertions that have generated debate in political circles.
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