THE Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has formally denied allegations that it procured a highly toxic chemical substance and has directed former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to submit any evidence supporting his claims to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
News Point Nigeria reports that the development follows a letter written by El-Rufai to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dated January 30, 2026, in which he sought clarification over what he described as the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate by ONSA.
In his correspondence, El-Rufai claimed that the substance reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland was said to have been procured by the NSA’s office. He noted that information about the alleged purchase was reportedly available to opposition political leaders.
Thallium sulphate is widely recognised as a highly toxic, colourless, and odourless compound capable of causing severe harm even in small doses.
The allegation generated public concern and added to the ongoing political tension between the former governor and the current security leadership.
In a response dated February 14, 2026, and signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, ONSA categorically denied the allegation.
The letter acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s correspondence on February 11, 2026, and stated that the Office of the National Security Adviser “has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.”
The response further disclosed that the allegation had been formally referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation.
According to the letter, El-Rufai and any other parties who may possess relevant information relating to the claim would be invited by the DSS to provide evidence that could assist in establishing the facts.
“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,” the letter stated.
The referral to the DSS signals the federal government’s intention to subject the matter to formal security scrutiny.
Sources familiar with the correspondence told News Point Nigeria that an attempt to deliver the response letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence initially faced difficulty.
Security operatives reportedly declined to receive the document on Friday, informing the dispatch clerk that the head of security was not available and that they were uncertain when the former governor would be present.
However, the letter was eventually delivered on Sunday, with the head of security signing and receiving it on El-Rufai’s behalf.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in a series of public disagreements between El-Rufai and federal authorities.
For now, ONSA maintains that no procurement of thallium sulphate occurred and that it has no plans to acquire such material.