Ribadu Responds to El-Rufai's Toxic Chemical Allegations, Calls for Evidence Submission to DSS
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has issued a formal reply to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai regarding his claims about the alleged procurement of a toxic substance, urging him to present any evidence to security authorities for investigation. In a letter dated February 13, 2026, ONSA firmly denied involvement in such a transaction and confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a comprehensive inquiry.
Details of the Allegation and ONSA's Denial
El-Rufai had written to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, alleging that approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic, colorless, and odorless chemical capable of causing death in small amounts, had been sourced from a supplier in Poland. The correspondence, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of ONSA, acknowledged receipt of El-Rufai's letter on February 11, 2026, and clarified that ONSA has neither initiated nor carried out any purchase of the chemical.
"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," the letter stated, emphasizing the office's commitment to transparency and national security protocols.
Referral to DSS and Investigation Process
According to the response, the allegation, which also suggested that details of the supposed transaction were known to opposition figures, has been formally handed over to the DSS for a thorough probe. The letter indicated that El-Rufai and any other individuals with relevant information would be contacted as part of the investigation to provide evidence that may assist in establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.
Sources revealed that an initial attempt to deliver the letter to El-Rufai's Abuja residence was unsuccessful after security personnel reportedly declined to accept it. It was later delivered on Sunday and received on his behalf, highlighting the procedural challenges in this high-profile exchange.
Broader Context and Additional Claims
This exchange occurs amid separate claims by El-Rufai that he had access to an intercepted phone conversation involving Ribadu. During an appearance on Arise TV, he alleged that the NSA's phone had been tapped and that he listened to a conversation in which Ribadu was said to have instructed security operatives to arrest him. El-Rufai stated during the program that "someone tapped" the NSA's phone and that he heard instructions allegedly given to security agencies to take him into custody.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions and allegations within Nigeria's political and security landscape, with ONSA's response aiming to address concerns through formal investigative channels while maintaining a stance of non-involvement in the alleged toxic chemical procurement.
