The Office of the National Security Adviser has asked former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to submit any evidence in his possession regarding the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical to the Department of State Services for investigation.
The directive followed a petition reportedly written by El-Rufai to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in which he alleged that about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate had been sourced from a supplier in Poland. Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic, colourless and odourless substance capable of causing death even in small quantities.
In a formal response dated February 13, 2026, and signed by Brigadier-General O. M. Adesuyi on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the allegation was denied and the matter referred to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
The letter acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s correspondence dated February 11, 2026, which sought clarification over the alleged procurement of the chemical by the Office of the National Security Adviser. It also noted that the allegation suggested that information relating to the purported transaction was available to leaders of the political opposition.
In its response, the Office of the National Security Adviser stated clearly that it had no involvement in the alleged transaction. The office said it neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.
The office further advised that, given the seriousness of the allegation and its national security implications, any documentary or material evidence available should be forwarded to the Department of State Services to allow for a comprehensive investigation.
El-Rufai has yet to publicly respond to the request as of the time of filing this report.
