15.2.2026
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Sunday claimed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s office has imported poison into the country for reasons yet unknown.
According to El-Rufai he wrote a letter to Mr. Ribadu to explain to Nigerians why he imported the highly toxic thallium sulphate into the country and what he intends to do with it.
“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 kilogrammes of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland,” Mr El-Rufai shared the letter dated January 30 and addressed to Mr. Ribadu on his X page
“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.
“The intended purpose and end-use of the imported thallium sulphate. The supplier identity and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit. The total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured.”
“The storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival. The regulatory oversight and coordination are in place with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies. Whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans have been developed, given the compound’s extreme toxicity.”
El-Rufai and Ribadu has been engage in a cold war because of their political leanings. El-Rufai since joining the Africa Democratic Congress have been critical of the All-Progressives Congress led government of President Bola Tinubu.
On his returning to Nigeria last week El-Rufai was harassed by security agents at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja. He latter accused Ribadu of orchestrating the move to have him arrested.
The office of the NSA accused El-Rufai of wiretapping Ribadu’s phone a development El-Rufai admitted on Saturday.
“He made the call to have me arrested because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order,” El Rufai said while speaking on Arise TV.