The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rejected claims that it imported a hazardous chemical, thallium sulphate, from Poland.
The denial follows a post by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on 𝕏, where he claimed that opposition figures had received reports suggesting that about 10 kilograms of the toxic substance were brought into Nigeria by the agency. El-Rufai said he wrote to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification on the alleged purchase.
In his letter, El-Rufai described thallium compounds as highly dangerous substances that are colourless and odourless, raising concerns about potential risks to public safety. He requested detailed explanations on why the chemical was allegedly acquired, who would use it, the supplying company, and whether the proper approval processes were followed.
Other questions raised included the quantity and concentration of the chemical, its storage procedures, and whether regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were involved in monitoring or review.
Responding to the allegation, a senior ONSA official told Vanguard that the claims were false, emphasizing that the agency did not procure thallium sulphate or any similar toxic substance.
The controversy has sparked public debate over transparency and the handling of hazardous materials by security agencies in the country.
