NSA Ribadu Challenges El-Rufai Over Toxic Chemical Claims
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has formally denied allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that it procured thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical and has challenged him to submit any evidence to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
The development adds another layer to the escalating feud between the former governor and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, following El-Rufai’s recent claims of phone tapping and assassination plots.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, addressed to the NSA, El-Rufai alleged that ONSA had procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The substance is a colourless, odourless compound known for its extreme toxicity and historical use as a rat poison and ant killer, capable of fatal harm to humans in small doses.
El-Rufai claimed that intelligence regarding this purchase was available to the opposition political leadership.
Responding in a letter dated February 13, 2026, signed by Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, the office categorically denied the claim.
“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 letter read.
The NSA’s office stated that the matter has been referred to the DSS for a “comprehensive investigation” to establish the facts.
“Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation,” Adesuyi wrote.
According to sources, the delivery of the NSA’s response to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was initially met with resistance. Security operatives on duty reportedly rejected the letter on Friday, claiming the head of security was unavailable. However, the correspondence was eventually delivered and signed for by the head of security on Sunday.
This exchange follows El-Rufai’s explosive interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time last Friday, where he admitted to intercepting the NSA’s private phone conversations.
The DSS has since filed charges against him for cybercrime violations related to that admission. The introduction of “thallium sulphate” into the narrative suggests the conflict has moved beyond political rivalry into grave accusations of state-sponsored elimination plots.
