Ribadu to El-Rufai: Submit Poison Procurement Evidence to DSS
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has asked former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to formally submit any evidence he possesses regarding the alleged procurement of a deadly toxic chemical to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
Sources within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed that the directive followed El-Rufai’s recent claim that a plot involving the importation of thallium sulphate—a highly poisonous, colourless and odourless substance capable of killing in small doses—had been uncovered.
The development marks a significant escalation in what is fast becoming a high-stakes national security controversy, with implications for public safety, political accountability and the credibility of Nigeria’s security architecture.
NSA moves to formal probe
According to officials familiar with the matter, Ribadu’s office considers the allegation grave enough to warrant immediate scrutiny by the DSS, Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency. By requesting documented proof from El-Rufai, the NSA is effectively shifting the matter from public accusation into a formal investigative channel.
Security analysts say the move serves two purposes: it places responsibility on El-Rufai to substantiate his claim, while also demonstrating that the federal government is treating the allegation with seriousness rather than dismissing it as political rhetoric.
If confirmed, the procurement or attempted importation of thallium sulphate for malicious use would constitute a major national security breach, given that the compound has historically been associated with covert poisoning cases and is tightly controlled in many jurisdictions.
What is thallium sulphate?
Thallium sulphate is a heavy-metal compound once used in rat poison and pesticides before being banned or restricted in most countries due to its extreme toxicity. It is tasteless, dissolves easily in water and can be absorbed through the skin, making it particularly dangerous in covert exposure scenarios.
Medical literature documents that thallium poisoning can cause multi-organ failure, nerve damage, hair loss and death even at very low doses. Because symptoms can initially resemble common illnesses, exposure is often difficult to detect without specialized toxicological testing.
Security experts note that the substance’s properties have historically made it attractive for assassination attempts or targeted poisoning plots.
Political and security fallout
The allegation has intensified tensions between El-Rufai and elements within the federal security establishment, coming at a time of heightened political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. Observers say the dispute now transcends personal or partisan rivalry, touching directly on national security governance.
By formally inviting evidence, the NSA’s office is also seeking to establish a clear evidentiary trail—an essential step if any criminal or counter-terrorism proceedings are to follow. Under Nigerian law, the unauthorized importation, possession or deployment of toxic chemical agents for harmful purposes could attract severe penalties.
Calls for transparency
Civil society voices and security commentators have urged both sides to ensure transparency, arguing that allegations involving lethal substances cannot remain in the realm of political accusation.
“If there is credible intelligence of toxic chemical procurement, Nigerians deserve to know the facts and see accountability,” said a security policy analyst in Abuja. “Conversely, if the claim is unsubstantiated, that too must be clearly established to prevent panic or misuse of security narratives.”
Next steps
Attention is now focused on whether El-Rufai will provide documentary or intelligence material to the DSS, and whether the agency will open a full investigation or forensic inquiry into any alleged chemical procurement channels.
Officials say the NSA’s directive underscores the seriousness with which the federal government views any suggestion of toxic substances entering Nigeria’s illicit networks. The outcome of the process could determine whether the matter evolves into a criminal probe, a security alert, or a politically charged dispute without evidentiary basis.
For now, the controversy has shifted from accusation to investigation—placing the burden of proof squarely on the former governor while signaling the state’s readiness to examine the claim through formal security institutions.
