El‑RUFIA’s “DANGEROUS CHEMICAL” ALLEGATION: FRUSTRATION,PATRIOTIC CONCERN, OR POLITICAL GAMBIT? – SIXT-MEDIA LANE
By Charles Edet Esq, PhD, Fcr
On the 30th of January 2026, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai wrote to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, alleging that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had procured roughly 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a Polish supplier. He described the substance as a colourless, odourless, highly toxic compound subject to strict international controls and demanded detailed clarification on its intended purpose, supplier identity, quantity, storage, and regulatory oversight by NAFDAC and the NCDC.
ONSA responded on 13 February 2026, through Brigadier‑General O.M. Adesuyi, stating that it “has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.” The office added that the claim had been formally referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a comprehensive investigation and urged El‑Rufai and any other parties with relevant information to submit evidence to the DSS.
The controversy has deepened a long‑standing political feud between El‑Rufai and Ribadu. El‑Rufai recently claimed on Arise Television that he had accessed an intercepted telephone conversation in which Ribadu allegedly directed security operatives to arrest him, suggesting that someone had tapped the NSA’s phone.
Critics, including the Democracy Watch Initiative, have described El‑Rufai’s actions as “diversionary tactics” aimed at deflecting attention from ongoing EFCC and DSS investigations into his own alleged financial improprieties ¹⁰.
At present, no independent documentary proof—such as customs records, import permits, or laboratory analyses—has been made public. The DSS investigation remains the primary mechanism for fact‑finding, and until it concludes, the allegation must be treated as a contested narrative rather than established fact. Nonetheless, thallium sulphate’s extreme toxicity (lethal at doses as low as 8–12 mg/kg) means any credible suspicion of its importation raises serious public‑safety and national‑security concerns ² ⁶.
From a security‑policy perspective, the incident highlights several critical vulnerabilities. First, it underscores the need for robust, real‑time monitoring of chemical imports, with integrated data sharing between Customs, NAFDAC, NCDC, and security agencies. Second, it reveals the potential for political actors to exploit security narratives for partisan gain, eroding public trust in institutions tasked with protecting national safety. Third, it demonstrates the importance of clear, transparent communication protocols when sensitive security information is at stake; ambiguous or sensationalist statements can amplify fear, misinformation, and social unrest.
If the DSS investigation confirms that no thallium sulphate was imported, the focus will likely shift to holding El‑Rufai accountable for disseminating unverified claims that could incite panic and damage institutional legitimacy. Conversely, if evidence of procurement emerges, the government will need to address potential breaches of chemical‑control regulations, evaluate the intended end‑use of the substance, and implement immediate containment and remediation measures to protect public health.
In either scenario, the federal government must act decisively. A transparent, publicly reported inquiry—conducted by an independent panel that includes chemical‑safety experts, legal scholars, and civil‑society representatives—would help restore confidence. Simultaneously, strengthening the regulatory framework governing toxic chemicals, enhancing interagency coordination, and instituting whistle‑blower protections for security personnel who report irregularities are essential steps to prevent future exploitation of security narratives for political ends.
Ultimately, whether El‑Rufai’s allegation stems from genuine public‑safety concern, political frustration, or a strategic attempt to undermine a rival, it has thrust the issue of chemical‑security governance into the national spotlight. Nigerians, from policymakers to ordinary citizens, must demand rigorous evidence‑based processes, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that national‑security institutions remain insulated from partisan manipulation while remaining fully accountable to the public they serve.
Edet is a Journalist, Security Analyst, And a Force Crime Reporter.
WhatsApp me on 08068885385
edetofpromart@gmail.com
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