El-Rufai Demands NSA’s Clarification Over Alleged Procurement Of Toxic Chemical

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), seeking clarification over what he described as information in the possession of opposition figures concerning the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical substance by the Office.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, El-Rufai said he was requesting “clarification and reassurance” regarding reports that the office planned to import thallium sulphate from abroad.

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

The former governor noted that the substance was considered highly dangerous and strictly regulated, underscoring the need for transparency.

“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.

El-Rufai outlined six areas where he sought 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 National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.”

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

While stressing that the inquiry was not driven by bad faith, El-Rufai said transparency would help strengthen confidence in public institutions. He further requested continued 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.

For completeness, he said copies of the letter were forwarded to other relevant authorities.

“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 amid reports of a recent attempt by security operatives to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the former governor, during an interview on Arise News on Friday, alleged that he became aware of a plan to arrest him upon his return to the country 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.

The issue has also unfolded amid broader debates around election cycles, national security management and the role of oversight institutions, with opposition figures repeatedly calling for greater transparency in sensitive federal procurements.

As of the time of filing this report, the NSA’s office had yet to issue a public response to the letter.