El-Rufai’s February Letter to NSA Over Alleged Importation of Deadly Poison From Poland Resurfaces

A letter written by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in February 2026, demanding clarification over the alleged importation of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland, has resurfaced and is drawing fresh attention.

The letter, dated January 30, 2026, was received by the Office of the National Security Adviser on February 11, 2026. In it, El-Rufai said he was acting as a concerned citizen to seek reassurance about information available to the political opposition leadership regarding the alleged procurement.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” asked six specific questions. El-Rufai asked about the intended purpose and end-use of the imported chemical. He asked for the identity of the supplier and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit. He asked for the total quantity, specific form or concentration being procured. He asked about the storage and security arrangements upon arrival. He asked about the regulatory oversight and coordination in place with NAFDAC, the NCDC, and relevant public health and environmental agencies. Finally, he asked whether any public health risk assessments or hazard mitigation plans had been developed given the compound’s extreme toxicity.

As part of my duty as a citizen, I wrote to the NSA to seek clarification on reports about the importation by his office of thallium sulphate, a very dangerous toxin. It’s a matter of concern if anyone brings in any poison, more so an odourless, colourless one. pic.twitter.com/sjcjs3akw9

— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) February 15, 2026

El-Rufai stressed that his inquiry was made in good faith to ensure that due processes, safety standards, and transparency are observed. He noted that public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed. Copies of the correspondence were sent to the Director-General of NAFDAC, the Director-General of the NCDC, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic, colourless, odourless, and tasteless crystalline powder. It was historically used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide, but due to its extreme toxicity, with a human fatal dose as low as 8 to 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, it is tightly restricted or banned in many countries. If it enters the body, it attacks the nervous system and internal organs, causing hair loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially death. Early symptoms of poisoning are often confused with viral diseases like influenza, which can delay detection. Within three days after poisoning, victims may suffer headaches, muscular pains, convulsions, coma, delirium, dementia, and even psychosis. Even a small dose like one gram can kill a person.

The Office of the National Security Adviser denied the allegation in a response dated February 13, 2026, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the National Security Adviser. ONSA acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai’s letter and firmly denied any involvement in the alleged procurement. Adesuyi wrote that the allegation had been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. He added that El-Rufai and other parties involved who may possess relevant information would be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation. Sources familiar with the development indicated that an earlier attempt to deliver the response letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful, as security personnel reportedly declined receipt. The letter was later delivered and received by the head of security on his behalf.

The letter was part of an escalating feud between El-Rufai and the national security establishment. During an appearance on Arise Television at the time, El-Rufai claimed he had listened to an intercepted telephone conversation allegedly involving Ribadu, in which the NSA allegedly directed security operatives to arrest him. According to him, someone tapped Ribadu’s phone and he heard instructions allegedly given to security agencies to take him into custody. The former governor has also accused the Tinubu administration of a political witch hunt, claiming that the ICPC and EFCC have been sent after him.

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