Provide Evidence, ONSA Replies El-Rufai Over Alleged Importation of ‘Toxic Chemical’
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has called on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to provide any evidence supporting his claim that the office procured thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical.
In a letter dated February 13, 2026, ONSA denied the allegation, stating that it had referred the matter to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a thorough investigation. The correspondence, signed by Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi on behalf of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, urged El-Rufai and any other individuals with relevant information to cooperate fully with investigators.
“I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so,” the letter read.
ONSA added that the DSS will conduct a comprehensive probe and invite anyone with relevant information to present supporting evidence.
Read Also:
The letter was issued in response to El-Rufai’s January 30, 2026, communication, in which he alleged that approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate had been sourced from a supplier in Poland.
Thallium sulphate is a colourless, odourless compound that is highly toxic, capable of causing fatal poisoning even in small quantities.
Initial attempts to deliver the letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence on Friday were unsuccessful, as security personnel cited the absence of the head of security. The letter was subsequently delivered on Sunday, with the head of security signing on El-Rufai’s behalf.
El-Rufai had earlier claimed he accessed an intercepted telephone conversation involving Ribadu. Speaking on Arise Television, he alleged that someone had tapped the NSA’s phone and that he heard instructions purportedly directing security operatives to arrest him.
ONSA continues to maintain that it did not procure thallium sulphate and reiterated that the DSS investigation will clarify the facts.
By PRNigeria
