Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has written to the Office of the National Security Adviser seeking clarification over reports that the agency imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, El-Rufai said he was acting “as a concerned citizen” in demanding transparency over the reported procurement.
The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” states: “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.”
He added: “Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust to confirm the following details.”
El-Rufai then requested specific information, including “The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate,” “The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit,” and “The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured.”
He also sought clarification on “The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival,” as well as “The regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.”
In addition, he asked: “Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”
The former governor stressed that his inquiry was made “in good faith,” writing: “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 further noted that copies of the correspondence were sent to the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, El-Rufai referenced the letter in a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one.”
Thallium sulphate is widely recognised as a highly toxic substance, with strict regulatory controls in many jurisdictions due to its potential health and environmental risks.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no public response from the Office of the National Security Adviser regarding the allegations raised in the letter.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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