- Safiu Kehinde
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over alleged purchase of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate, a toxic substance, by his office.
El-Rufai, in the letter dated 11th of February 2026, expressed concern over public safety and intent of the NSA’s purchase of such highly toxic and tightly controlled substance.
The ex-Kaduna governor demanded Ribadu’s explanation on the intent of the purchase.
Amongst other demands, he also charged the NSA to disclose the identity of the supplier; confirm if the material was legitimately imported into Nigeria; and disclose if regulatory oversight and coordination was put in place with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and relevant public-health and environmental agencies.
“Dear National Security Adviser, I hope this message finds you well. 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 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.
“Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given 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.
“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.”