Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, demanding explanations over reports that Office of the NSA allegedly procured a large quantity of the highly toxic chemical, thallium sulphate.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a letter dated January 30, el-Rufai said information available to opposition leaders suggested that about 10 kilogrammes of the substance were sourced from a supplier in Poland, raising serious public safety and national security concerns.
“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 wrote.
El-Rufai stressed that thallium salts are extremely dangerous and strictly regulated worldwide because of their lethal properties, adding that transparency and accountability were necessary to protect public health and national interest.
He requested details on the intended use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, and whether proper chemical or defence import permits were obtained. He also sought clarification on the form, concentration, and total quantity procured, as well as the storage conditions and security measures in place.
The former Governor further asked whether relevant regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), were consulted before and after the procurement. He also demanded to know if any public health risk assessments or emergency response plans were developed, given the substance’s extreme toxicity.
“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 said.
El-Rufai requested a formal response or a designated contact person within the NSA’s office for further engagement. Copies of the letter were sent to the heads of NAFDAC and NCDC, as well as the national chairmen of the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
The development comes amid rising political tension following recent allegations by El-Rufai that he listened to an intercepted phone call in which Ribadu allegedly directed security operatives to arrest him.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television, the former Governor claimed that Ribadu’s phone was tapped, admitting that such actions were illegal but alleging that similar practices were common within government security operations.
The allegations, if proven, could deepen political mistrust and raise fresh concerns over the conduct of security agencies, especially as Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other internal security threats.
So far, the Office of the National Security Adviser has not issued any public response to the claims.
