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By Goli Innocent
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has asked the Office of the National Security Adviser to clarify what he described as reports of a planned procurement of a toxic chemical substance.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” over information allegedly available to opposition leaders regarding the importation of thallium sulphate.
He posted a copy of the letter on his official X handle.
“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 listed six areas where he requested explanations, including the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, whether due authorisation was obtained, the quantity and concentration involved, storage arrangements, and regulatory oversight.
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He also asked “whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”
Copies of the letter, he said, were sent to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, which he noted play critical roles in chemical safety and public-health preparedness.
“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.
The development comes amid renewed political tension following El-Rufai’s recent comments during an interview on Arise TV, where he alleged that there had been a plan to arrest him.
As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not publicly responded to the letter.
