A former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), requesting clarification over what he described as information available to opposition figures concerning the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” regarding reports that ONSA planned to obtain approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor made the letter public on Sunday by posting a copy on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The disclosure has since generated significant public interest, given the sensitivity of the substance involved and the broader political context surrounding national security and opposition relations.
In the correspondence, El-Rufai noted that thallium salts are regarded globally as highly toxic substances and are subject to strict regulation due to their potential health and environmental hazards.
“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,” the letter partly read.
He emphasised that because thallium compounds are tightly controlled, it was necessary in the interest of public safety, democratic accountability, and public trust to clarify the purpose and safeguards associated with such a procurement.
“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,” he stated.
El-Rufai outlined six specific areas where he is seeking explanations from the National Security Adviser’s office. These include:
- The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.
- The identity of the supplier and whether the importation followed due authorisation procedures.
- The exact quantity and concentration of the substance involved.
- The storage arrangements planned for the chemical.
- The regulatory oversight and coordination with relevant agencies.
- Whether public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed.
He specifically referenced the roles of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as other public health and environmental agencies, in ensuring compliance with chemical safety standards.
El-Rufai further inquired whether any public-health risk assessments had been conducted, given what he described as the compound’s “extreme toxicity.”
While acknowledging the sensitivity of national security operations, the former governor stressed that his inquiry was made in good faith and was not intended to undermine the work of security agencies.
“I want to stress that this inquiry is made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed,” he wrote.
According to him, openness in addressing concerns about potentially hazardous procurements would strengthen public confidence in national institutions.
“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” he added.
El-Rufai also requested continued engagement from the National Security Adviser’s office, asking for a formal response or a designated point of contact to facilitate further dialogue.
“If possible, I would appreciate a response or a point of contact within your office for further engagement to reassure those of us that are Nigerian citizens in opposition,” he stated.
For completeness, he noted that copies of the letter were sent to NAFDAC and the NCDC, citing their statutory roles in chemical regulation and public health preparedness.
The letter comes amid heightened political tensions and debates over national security management, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle. Opposition figures have in recent months called for greater transparency in federal government procurements, especially those involving sensitive materials or security operations.
The development also follows a recent incident involving El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him.
In an interview on Arise TV on Friday, El-Rufai alleged that he had prior knowledge of a plan to arrest him upon his return to the country. He claimed that he became aware of the alleged move through a leaked conversation purportedly originating from the phone of the National Security Adviser.
“Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls. But we also have our ways. He made the call. He gave the order that they should arrest me,” El-Rufai said during the interview.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has not publicly commented on the allegation or the contents of El-Rufai’s letter as of the time of filing this report.
As of press time, ONSA had not issued any formal statement addressing the claims regarding the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate or responding to the questions raised by the former governor.
Security and public health experts note that certain toxic chemicals may have legitimate uses in controlled environments, including research, forensic investigations, and specialised security operations. However, they also emphasise that such substances require rigorous regulatory compliance, secure handling, and inter-agency coordination to mitigate risks.
The absence of an immediate response from ONSA has fueled public debate, with commentators calling for clarity to dispel speculation and maintain confidence in institutional processes.
El-Rufai’s letter underscores ongoing tensions between segments of the political opposition and federal security authorities. It also highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding national security interests and ensuring democratic accountability in matters involving sensitive procurements.
Whether the National Security Adviser’s office will issue a detailed response remains to be seen. For now, the matter adds another layer to the evolving discourse on governance, oversight, and public trust in Nigeria’s security architecture.
