Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, of importing thallium sulphate, a highly toxic and odorless chemical compound, from Poland. El-Rufai expressed his concerns in a letter to the ONSA, citing public safety and democratic accountability as key concerns.
“As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one,” El-Rufai wrote on X, sharing a copy of the letter addressed to the ONSA in Abuja.
In the letter, he stated that information available to opposition political leaders indicated that the ONSA had reportedly procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. Describing thallium salts as highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, El-Rufai emphasized that public safety, democratic accountability, and trust in national institutions required immediate clarification.
He requested details on the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, and whether the importation was carried out under an existing chemical or defence permit. El-Rufai also sought clarification on the total quantity and specific form or concentration procured, as well as storage and security arrangements upon arrival.
The former governor further asked about regulatory oversight and coordination with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), including whether public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed.
“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,” parts of the letter read.
