Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has publicly demanded urgent clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding reported procurement of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical. El-Rufai made the allegation in a social media post on Sunday, sharing a copy of a formal letter he addressed to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
In the letter, El-Rufai stated he was acting on information available to opposition political leaders, which indicated that the ONSA had procured approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. He described thallium salts as “highly toxic and tightly controlled substances,” noting the chemical is odourless, colourless, and poses significant public health risks. The former governor asserted that public safety, democratic accountability, and trust in national institutions necessitate immediate transparency from the ONSA.
El-Rufai’s letter sought specific details on the procurement. His inquiries included the intended purpose and end-use of the chemical, the identity of the Polish supplier, and whether the importation was conducted under a valid chemical or defence permit. He also requested clarification on the exact quantity, form, or concentration of the thallium sulphate, along with the storage and security arrangements planned upon its arrival in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the letter probed the regulatory oversight of the transaction. El-Rufai asked whether the ONSA coordinated with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He inquired if any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed in connection with the chemical’s handling and potential use.
Thallium sulphate is a heavy metal compound historically used in some industrial processes and, infamously, as a poison. Its possession and importation are strictly regulated in most countries due to its extreme toxicity and potential for misuse. The alleged procurement by a security agency, therefore, raises immediate questions about operational justification and compliance with national and international chemical control regulations.
The development places the ONSA under pressure to respond to the serious allegations. El-Rufai’s decision to amplify the issue publicly underscores the political weight of the accusation and frames it as a matter of national security and civic concern. The office has yet to issue a public statement. The incident highlights the tension between national security operations and the imperative for transparency, particularly concerning hazardous materials. Analysts note that the detailed nature of the queries suggests a prepared strategy to challenge the administration on issues of governance and public safety. The outcome will depend on the ONSA’s willingness to disclose the operational details, which it may classify.
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