February 16, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally written to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clear explanations over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) allegedly imported approximately 10 kg of a highly toxic, colourless and odourless substance widely reported to be thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026 and made public this weekend, El-Rufai said information circulating within political opposition circles suggested that the security agency had procured the substance, which is tightly controlled internationally because of its extreme toxicity and potential misuse. He described the situation as a serious matter of public concern that “requires transparency and democratic accountability.”
El-Rufai’s correspondence to Ribadu sought detailed clarification on several key points, including:
- The intended purpose and end use of the imported chemical;
- The identity of the supplier and legal authorisation for the procurement;
- Exact quantity, concentration and storage arrangements upon arrival; and
- Extent of oversight by regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) given the potential public-health risks posed by thallium compounds.
El-Rufai, who posted excerpts of his letter on social media, argued that bringing in any dangerous chemical — especially one that is odourless and colourless — warrants full explanation to reassure the public about safety and compliance with applicable laws.
The allegation marks a notable escalation in an increasingly public dispute between El-Rufai and key national security figures, including Ribadu, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the broader implications for institutional transparency and oversight.
Office of the NSA Responds:
In response, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has denied procuring thallium sulphate and stated that no such acquisition was initiated or intended by the agency. It referred the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a comprehensive investigation and has asked El-Rufai to submit any evidence he possesses to assist the probe.
The development has raised both political and security questions, with observers noting that the issue touches on sensitive areas of chemical safety, regulatory oversight, and public confidence in national institutions. El-Rufai’s call for answers reflects broader public interest in how strategic materials particularly hazardous ones are managed by government agencies.