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 poison to the Department of State Services for investigation.
According to sources familiar with the correspondence, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) denied claims that it procured thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous, colourless and odourless substance capable of causing death in small quantities.
Officials maintained that no such transaction was initiated or concluded by the office.
In a formal response signed by Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, ONSA acknowledged receiving a letter from Nasir El-Rufai seeking clarification over what he described as the alleged purchase of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.
The letter stated that the allegation had been referred to the Department of State Services for a “comprehensive investigation.”
It added that El-Rufai and any other individuals with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence to assist security authorities in establishing the facts.
“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,” the response read.
It further noted that all claims surrounding the alleged toxic substance would be subjected to due diligence by the security agency.
Sources also disclosed that an initial attempt to deliver the NSA’s response to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful after security personnel on duty reportedly declined to accept the document, citing the absence of their head of security. The correspondence was later received and signed for.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai had earlier claimed he listened to an intercepted telephone conversation allegedly involving Ribadu.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time aired on Arise Television, he said “someone tapped” the NSA’s phone and that he heard discussions directing security operatives to arrest him.
The exchange between both men followed a letter dated January 30, 2026, in which El-Rufai wrote to the NSA requesting clarification over the alleged importation of the toxic compound. ONSA’s response, dated February 13, 2026, rejected the allegation and formally referred the matter to the DSS for further scrutiny.