National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has reported a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to the State Security Service for alleging he imported Thallium Sulphate, a toxic chemical, into the country.

Mr Ribadu, according to The Cable, said he reported Mr El-Rufai’s allegation to the secret police, in a letter written by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier-general, dated February 13, 2026. 

“I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA),” Mr Adesuyi said.

He added, “I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation.”

Mr Adesuyi said Mr El-Rufai and his allies would be invited to furnish the SSS with evidence of the allegation.

“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, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence,” Mr Adesuyi said.

Denying the allegation against Mr Ribadu, Mr Adesuyi said “The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, 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.”

On Sunday, Mr El-Rufai’s raised the alarm, accusing Mr Ribadu of importing a toxic substance into the country. 

In a letter addressed to Mr Ribadu dated January 30, Mr El-Rufai’s said “I am writing as a concemed citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.

“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 following details.”

Mr El-Rufai had earlier claimed during a TV interview that the NSA’s telephone had been tapped and he listens to his conversations.