By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai has written to Nuhu Ribadu, seeking urgent clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) imported a highly toxic chemical from Poland.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, El-Rufai said he was acting “as a concerned citizen” and demanded details about the alleged procurement of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a colourless, odourless substance considered extremely dangerous and subject to strict international controls.
El-Rufai posted a copy of the letter to social media on Sunday, repeating his request for transparency on several fronts, including the intended purpose and end-use of the material, the identity of the Polish supplier, whether the purchase was made under appropriate chemical or defence permits, and whether proper oversight from agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was in place.
Describing thallium salts as “highly toxic and tightly controlled,” El-Rufai said that public safety, democratic accountability and confidence in national institutions depend on clarity around such transactions.
He also sought information on storage and security arrangements for the substance and whether any public-health risk assessment or mitigation plans exist.
El-Rufai emphasised his inquiry was “made in good faith,” and urged Ribadu’s office to respond or provide a point of contact for further engagement to reassure Nigerians.
He said the letter was also copied to relevant regulatory authorities.
As of Sunday, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued a public response to the former governor’s calls for clarification.
This development comes amid broader tensions between El-Rufai and federal security institutions following his recent controversial comments about alleged phone interceptions involving Ribadu, which have already attracted criticism from government aides.
