FORMER Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally written to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, requesting clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound.
In a letter obtained by News Point Nigeria, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai said he was acting as a concerned citizen seeking transparency and reassurance over what he described as sensitive and potentially dangerous information.
According to El-Rufai, information available to political opposition leaders suggested that the alleged procurement was made 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 certain details,” he wrote.
He listed six key areas in which he requested clarification:
The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate.
The identity of the supplier and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit.
The total quantity and specific form or concentration of the substance being procured.
The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.
The regulatory oversight and coordination with relevant agencies, including NAFDAC, NCDC, and other public-health and environmental authorities.
Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.
El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was made “in good faith” and was aimed solely at ensuring due process, safety standards, and transparency.
“Public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed,” the letter stated.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions between El-Rufai and the current administration.
Recently, during an interview on ARISE Television, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of masterminding an alleged attempt to have him arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
He claimed that the alleged directive was revealed to him after Ribadu’s phone was tapped by an unnamed source.
“The government believes it is the only one that listens to calls, but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order. Someone tapped his phone. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” El-Rufai alleged.
The remarks sparked public debate over surveillance practices, national security, and the limits of executive authority.
The former governor, who has repeatedly accused the administration of political witch-hunt, has also vowed to honour an invitation extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The invitation was reportedly issued while he was overseas, and El-Rufai has stated that he would appear before the anti-graft agency on Monday.
As of the time of filing this report, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not issued an official response to El-Rufai’s letter.
However, without official confirmation, it remains unclear whether the reported chemical importation occurred, the purpose for which it was allegedly intended, or the broader security context surrounding it.