ONSA Denies Alleged Thallium Sulphate Procurement, Asks El-Rufai To Submit Proof To DSS
The Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser (ONSA) has denied allegations that it procured the poisonous substance thallium sulphate and has requested former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai to submit any supporting proof to the Division of State Companies (DSS) for investigation.
The event follows a letter written by el-Rufai to the Nationwide Safety Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dated January 30, 2026, by which he alleged that roughly 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate had been sourced from a provider in Poland. Thallium sulphate is a extremely poisonous, colourless and odourless chemical compound able to inflicting loss of life even in small doses.
In its official response dated February 13, 2026, ONSA dismissed the allegation and referred the matter to the DSS for additional scrutiny. The response, signed by Brigadier-Normal OM Adesuyi on behalf of the Nationwide Safety Adviser, acknowledged receipt of el-Rufai’s correspondence and firmly denied any involvement within the alleged procurement.
Adesuyi wrote:
“I’ve the honour to current the compliments of the Nationwide Safety Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence acquired on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification relating to the alleged procurement of roughly 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser (ONSA). The correspondence additional indicated that data in regards to the purported procurement is reportedly obtainable to the political opposition management. On this regard, I’m directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any course of for the acquisition of such materials, and has no intention of doing so. Nonetheless, I’m additional directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Division of State Companies for a complete investigation. Your Excellency and different events concerned, who could possess related data referring to this declare might be duly invited by the Service to supply any proof that will help in an in-depth investigation, establishing the details and making certain due diligence.
“Please settle for the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Nationwide Safety Adviser.”
Sources conversant in the event indicated that an earlier try and ship the response letter to el-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful, as safety personnel reportedly declined receipt, citing the absence of the top of safety and uncertainty in regards to the former governor’s availability. The letter was later delivered on Sunday and acquired by the top of safety on his behalf.
The controversy comes amid escalating tensions between el-Rufai and the nationwide safety institution. Throughout an look on Prime Time, an Come up Tv programme, on Friday, el-Rufai claimed he had listened to an intercepted phone dialog allegedly involving Ribadu.
In line with him, “somebody tapped” Ribadu’s telephone and that he listened to the NSA allegedly directing safety operatives to arrest him.
The matter has now been formally handed to the DSS, with ONSA stating that any people possessing related data could be invited to help in establishing the details.
Ademide Adebayo
Times Nigeria