Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir rl-Rufai has written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) imported about 10 kilograms of odourless poison — thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound, from Poland.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai raised concerns about public safety and the risks associated with the substance. He later shared the correspondence on X, describing the reported importation of the odourless and colourless toxin as a serious matter of national concern.

El-Rufai asked the NSA to clarify the purpose and intended use of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, whether the importation was properly authorised, the exact quantity and concentration involved, and the storage and security measures in place. He also inquired whether relevant regulatory bodies, including National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), were consulted, and whether any public health risk assessments had been conducted.

Thallium sulphate is a tightly regulated substance due to its extreme toxicity, with its importation and handling subject to strict national and international controls.

The development has sparked widespread debate across Nigerian media platforms and social networks, with calls for an official response from the NSA’s office. As of the time of reporting, no public statement has been issued by Ribadu or the ONSA on the matter.