The political standoff between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has deepened following explosive allegations involving the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance.
At the center of the controversy is thallium sulphate, a deadly compound that el-Rufai claims was imported into Nigeria by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Federal Government has firmly denied the accusation and referred the matter to security authorities for investigation.
What Is The Toxic Chemical
Thallium sulphate is an extremely poisonous chemical compound known for being colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. Even in very small quantities, it can cause severe health consequences including gastrointestinal distress, nerve damage, hair loss, organ failure, and death if not promptly treated.
Historically, the substance was used as a rodenticide and insecticide. However, due to its extreme toxicity and potential for misuse, it has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries.
In Nigeria, the importation, storage, and handling of such hazardous chemicals fall under strict regulatory oversight by agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, alongside environmental and security bodies.
Given its classification as a tightly controlled substance, any legitimate procurement would typically require detailed permits, safety protocols, and public health safeguards.
El-Rufai’s Claims
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to Ribadu, el-Rufai said he was writing as a “concerned citizen” over information allegedly available to opposition leaders.
He claimed that the Office of the National Security Adviser had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate 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 the following details,” el-Rufai wrote.
Describing the chemical as highly toxic and tightly regulated, el-Rufai requested clarification on several points.
He asked about “the intended purpose and end use of the substance, the identity of the supplier, whether proper import permits were secured, the quantity and concentration involved, and the storage and security arrangements in place”.
He also sought confirmation of regulatory oversight by NAFDAC and the NCDC, including any public health risk assessments conducted.
“This inquiry is made in good faith,” el-Rufai stated, as he copied the letter to the relevant health agencies.
El-Rufai copied the letter to the relevant health agencies and later shared it publicly on his X account, escalating the matter into the public domain.
The allegation surfaced shortly after el-Rufai alleged in a television interview that he had knowledge of a phone conversation in which Ribadu purportedly ordered his arrest. The claim further intensified the already strained relationship between the two former allies.
Government’s Response
The Office of the National Security Adviser swiftly denied the allegation. In a response dated February 13, 2026, signed by Brigadier General OM Adesuyi on behalf of Ribadu, the office stated that it had neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.
The letter described the claim as an allegation and confirmed that it had been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation.
El-Rufai and any other individuals with relevant information were invited to submit evidence to assist the inquiry.
“You are kindly requested to provide any credible evidence in your possession to assist the Service in conducting a comprehensive investigation,” the letter stated, adding that el-Rufai “will be duly invited” if necessary.
The Presidency also rejected the claims, characterising them as misinformation capable of generating fear and public unrest. Officials insisted that there was no government procurement or importation of the chemical through official channels.
The dispute comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial improprieties during el-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor, with anti corruption agencies reportedly examining transactions amounting to hundreds of billions of naira.
What Happens Next
With the matter now referred to the DSS, attention has shifted to whether el-Rufai will present concrete evidence to substantiate his claims. The outcome of the investigation could have significant political and legal implications for all parties involved.
If evidence supports the allegation, it would raise serious concerns about national security procedures and regulatory oversight. If not, the controversy may further inflame political tensions and deepen divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
For now, the question of the alleged toxic chemical procurement remains unresolved, with investigators expected to determine whether the claim is grounded in fact or part of a broader political confrontation between two prominent figures in Nigeria’s power structure.
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