The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed allegations by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai that it procured a dangerous chemical substance, urging him to submit any evidence to security agencies.
El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming that about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate — a highly toxic chemical — had allegedly been sourced from a supplier in Poland.
In a response dated February 13, 2026, and signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of ONSA, the office categorically denied initiating or completing any such purchase. The letter stated that ONSA had neither procured nor begun any process to obtain the substance and had no plans to do so.
The office further disclosed that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a full investigation.
According to the correspondence, El-Rufai and any other individuals with relevant information would be invited by the DSS to assist in establishing the facts and ensuring due process.
Sources indicated that an initial attempt to deliver the response letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful after security personnel reportedly declined to receive it. The letter was later successfully delivered and acknowledged.
The development follows separate remarks by El-Rufai during an appearance on Arise TV, where he alleged that he had listened to an intercepted phone conversation involving Ribadu. He claimed the conversation contained instructions purportedly directing security operatives to arrest him.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the separate phone interception claim, while investigations into the chemical procurement allegation remain ongoing.
