JUST IN: El-Rufai writes NSA Ribadu over ‘importation of poison’

Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, has written to Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), seeking clarification on the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the NSA.

El-Rufai raised the concerns in a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to the NSA’s office in the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

The former governor said he was writing as a concerned citizen to seek reassurance regarding information available to political opposition leaders about the procurement from a supplier in Poland.

He noted that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, making it necessary to confirm critical details for public safety and democratic accountability.

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“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,” El-Rufai stated.

“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.”

El-Rufai listed six specific areas requiring clarification: the intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate; the supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit; the total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured; the storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival; the regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies; and whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.

He emphasised that his inquiry was made in good faith, solely to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed.

“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,” El-Rufai said.

He requested a response or point of contact within the NSA’s office for further engagement to reassure Nigerian citizens in opposition.

Captioning the letter in a post on X on Sunday, he wrote, “As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one.”

The letter was copied to the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director-General of NCDC, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), and the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This is coming few days after El-Rufai accused Ribadu of directing the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday following his return to Nigeria.