NSA : El-Rufai raises alarm over alleged toxic chemical purchase

 

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the Office of the National Security Adviser, requesting clarification over what he described as information circulating among opposition leaders about the alleged purchase of a toxic chemical.

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” concerning reports that the office intended to import thallium sulphate.

He shared a copy of the correspondence on his official X handle on Sunday.

The former governor described the substance as dangerous and strictly regulated, noting that the situation required openness.

“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 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”, the letter partly read.

He identified six areas where he wants explanations, including “the intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate, the identity of the supplier and whether the importation followed due authorisation, the quantity and concentration involved, storage arrangements, and the regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.”

El-Rufai also asked, “whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”

While stating that the request was not made with ill intent, he maintained that transparency would help strengthen public confidence in national institutions.

He also sought further engagement from the security office.

“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.

“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,” the letter added.

He added that copies of the letter were sent to other relevant agencies.

“For completeness, I am copying this correspondence to NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), both of which play essential roles in chemical safety and public-health preparedness,” he said.

THE development comes shortly after security operatives attempted to arrest him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Recall that El-Rufai, in an interview on Arise TV on Friday, alleged that he discovered a plan to arrest him upon his return to the country on Thursday through a leaked conversation from the NSA’s phone.

“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”, he said in the interview.

The issue also comes amid growing debate over election cycles, national security operations and the role of oversight institutions, with opposition figures repeatedly calling for greater transparency in federal procurements.

As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued any public response to the letter.