Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu, to clarify reports that it procured thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound.
El-Rufai made the allegation in a post on X on Sunday, where he shared a copy of a letter he addressed to the security office in Abuja seeking explanations over the reported importation.
According to him, information available to opposition figures suggested that the ONSA may have purchased about 10 kilograms of the substance from a supplier in Poland. He noted that thallium salts are tightly regulated because of their toxicity and potential danger to public health.
In his letter, the former governor requested details on the purpose and intended use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, and whether the importation was conducted under an existing defence or chemical permit.
He also asked for clarification on the specific quantity and concentration procured, storage and security arrangements, and whether relevant agencies such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control were involved in oversight or risk assessment.
El-Rufai said public safety and trust in national institutions require transparency on the issue, adding that any importation of a colourless, odourless poison warrants urgent clarification from authorities.
As of the time of reporting, the Office of the National Security Adviser had not publicly responded to the allegation.