El-Rufai Seeks Clarity on Thallium Sulphate Procurement

On January 30, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, formally requested clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) concerning reports of a plan to import approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. In his letter, El-Rufai expressed concerns about the potential public health risks associated with this highly toxic chemical, which is tightly regulated.

He sought detailed explanations on six key areas, including the intended purpose of the chemical, the identity of the supplier, and whether proper authorizations were obtained. El-Rufai emphasized the need for transparency and public safety, urging that any potential risks be openly addressed to enhance public confidence in national institutions.

He also requested a formal response and designated a point of contact within the NSA's office for further engagement. This inquiry comes amid ongoing political tensions and a recent incident where El-Rufai was reportedly targeted for arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.