The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has called on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to provide any evidence in his possession regarding the alleged procurement of a toxic substance to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
VerifiedGist reports that the substance referenced is thallium sulphate — a highly dangerous chemical known for being colourless and odourless, and capable of causing death even in small quantities.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, El-Rufai reportedly wrote to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alleging that approximately 10 kilograms of the chemical had been sourced from a supplier in Poland. He sought clarification over what he described as the alleged transaction.
Responding to the claim, the Office of the National Security Adviser firmly denied any involvement in the purchase or planned procurement of the substance. The office stated that it had neither acquired nor initiated any process to acquire such material and had no intention of doing so. It further disclosed that the allegation had been formally referred to the DSS for a thorough investigation. According to the statement, any individual with relevant information regarding the claim — including El-Rufai — would be invited to present evidence to assist in establishing the facts.
According to The Cable, the reply letter, dated February 13, 2026, was signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the National Security Adviser.
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It was gathered that an initial attempt to deliver the letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful. Security personnel at the property reportedly declined to accept the correspondence, stating that the head of security was unavailable and that they could not confirm when the former governor would be present. The letter was eventually delivered on Sunday, with the head of security receiving and signing for it.
In the letter, Adesuyi wrote:
“I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, 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.
“However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. 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. Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”
With the matter now referred to the DSS, attention shifts to the outcome of the investigation and whether further clarifications or evidence will emerge in the coming days.
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