By Obinna Uballa Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor as written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), demanding clarification over the alleged procurement of a highly toxic substance, Thallium Sulphate, reportedly imported from Poland, a development that has further heightened political tension in the country. In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and acknowledged by ONSA on February 11, El-Rufai said he was acting “as a concerned citizen” in seeking details about what he described as the acquisition of approximately 10 kilograms of the chemical by the office headed by Nuhu Ribadu. Titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” the letter raised concerns about the purpose of the chemical, the legality of its importation, and the safety measures surrounding its handling. Thallium sulphate is widely recognised as an extremely toxic compound. Historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide, the substance is odourless, tasteless and colourless, making it particularly dangerous. Observers say because of its high toxicity – with a fatal human dose estimated at between 8 and 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight – its production and distribution are heavily restricted or banned in many jurisdictions worldwide. Citing these characteristics, El-Rufai urged the National Security Adviser to clarify the intended use of the chemical and whether proper regulatory approvals were obtained before importation. He asked for disclosure of the supplier’s identity, the total quantity and concentration procured, and the permits under which the material was brought into the country. The former governor also sought assurances on storage and security arrangements for the substance, as well as coordination with relevant public health and regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He further requested information on any risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans developed in view of the compound’s extreme toxicity. El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was not politically motivated but aimed at promoting transparency and public confidence in national institutions. “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, adding that public trust is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed. He requested a formal response or a designated contact within the NSA’s office for further engagement and copied the correspondence to the heads of NAFDAC and NCDC, as well as the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The letter comes amid strained relations between El-Rufai and the NSA. The former governor recently alleged that Ribadu ordered his arrest following an incident earlier reported by The New Diplomat at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He also claimed that an unnamed individual had tapped the NSA’s phone and confirmed efforts to have him detained, allegations that have sparked mixed reactions in political circles.
