Former Nigerian Governor Questions Security Office Over ‘Toxic Chemical’ Purchase

ABUJA, Nigeria—Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State and a prominent opposition figure, has formally requested clarification from Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) regarding the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance.

In a letter dated 30 January 2026, which he shared on social media on Sunday, Mr. El-Rufai asked for “reassurance” following reports that the security office intended to import 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.

Thallium sulphate is an odourless, tasteless, and highly toxic compound that has historically been used as a rodenticide, but is now strictly regulated or banned in many countries due to its extreme risk to human health.

“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important—for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust—to confirm the details,” the letter stated.

Mr. El-Rufai requested transparency on several points, including:

• The intended purpose and end-use of the substance.
• Whether the importation followed official authorisation.
• Details on storage and safety arrangements.
• Coordination with health and environmental agencies, such as NAFDAC and the NCDC.

The former governor, who is currently in the political opposition, stressed that his inquiry was made in “good faith” to ensure safety standards are observed.

The development follows recent tensions between Mr. El-Rufai and security agencies. On Friday, during a television interview, he claimed he had narrowly avoided arrest at Abuja’s international airport after allegedly “listening in” on a leaked conversation from the NSA’s phone. He alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had personally ordered his detention.

The Office of the National Security Adviser has not yet issued a public response to the letter.

The incident highlights growing friction between the federal government and opposition figures as debates intensify over national security management and the transparency of state institutions ahead of future election cycles.