· Provide evidence to DSS – Ribadu
· Nigerians demand answers
By Michael AMAJAMA
Former Governor of Kaduna, Nasir el-Rufai, has stirred alarm in the country over his letter to the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to clarify reports of an alleged procurement of about 10 kilogrammes of thallium sulphate by his office.
Thallium Sulphate dubbed the “perfect poison” is a highly toxic, odourless inorganic salt that has historically been used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide. It was banned in many regions, including the U.S., where there are allegations that it was used by the CIA.
Extremely toxic to humans and animals, Thallium Sulphate acts as a cumulative poison, affecting the nervous system and hair.
El-Rufai in a letter dated January 30 and addressed to Ribadu, said the substance was reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.
“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 noted that thallium salts are “highly toxic and tightly controlled substances” and said it was important, in the interest of public safety and democratic accountability, to confirm certain details.
He requested clarification on the intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.
The former governor also asked for the identity of the supplier and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.
He sought details on the total quantity and specific form or concentration procured, as well as the storage and security arrangements upon arrival.
El-Rufai further requested information on regulatory oversight and coordination with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and other relevant public-health and environmental agencies.
He also asked whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed, given what he described as the compound’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,” he said.
“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.”
El-Rufai requested a response or a point of contact within the NSA’s office for further engagement.
The letter was shared by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, on his social media handle on Sunday ahead of his expected date with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 16.
Since the surfacing of the letter, Nigerians have been reacting to the development.
Abdul Mahmud, a lawyer and social activist, described the revelation as “damning.” He said “Nigerians should demand answers.
“We’ve seen how dangerous agents were used to poison opposition figures elsewhere. Litvinenko with polonium in 2006 and Skripal in 2018 with Novichok. Both in the UK.
“Thallium Sulphate is a dangerous poison agent! Odourless. Colourless. Tasteless. Toxic.”
Also, Ibraheem S. Gadah, a lawyer, urged El-Rufai to “Keep dictating the tune, Malam…teach them how best to keep your enemies on check and render them effectively incompetent…”
Oko Emmanuel Ekpo, a media personality, queried “wait, is the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in any way planning to annihilate people with dissenting voices with such chemicals? Amnesty International Nigeria, World Health Organization Nigeria.”
However, Sesan Felix Oluwayemi wondered, “Imagine writing a pentagon about their weapons and operandi.”
Reacting to the development, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, late Sunday, asked El-Rufai, to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate to the Department of State Services, DSS, for further investigation, TheCable reported.
ONSA replied him denying the allegation and asking him to supply any evidence he has to the DSS for a thorough investigation.
The ONSA in its response by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi, dated February 13, 2026, states: “I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership.
“In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.
“However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation.
“Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.”
