TDNigeria’s political landscape has been jolted by shocking revelations from former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El‑Rufai, who petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over reports that his office imported Thallium Sulphate — a compound notorious for its extreme toxicity and dark history of use in covert assassinations.
The allegation has sent tremors through the political class, particularly among opposition figures, many of whom now fear for their safety.
El‑Rufai had, days earlier, accused Ribadu of ordering his attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He has now escalated matters by raising alarm about the importation of Thallium Sulphate.
In his petition, he described the chemical as “a very dangerous toxin”.
He demanded urgent clarification on why such a lethal substance was brought into Nigeria under the authority of the NSA.
Why Thallium Sulphate Raises Alarm
- Invisible threat: Thallium Sulphate is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, dissolving easily in water. Its covert nature makes it nearly impossible to detect if administered secretly.
- Lethal potency: Just one gram can kill an adult. Reports suggest 10 kilograms were imported — theoretically enough to cause tens of thousands of deaths if misused.
- Dark history: Dubbed the “perfect poison,” thallium has been linked to espionage operations, political assassinations, and suppression of dissidents in several countries. Its reputation as a clandestine weapon makes its presence in Nigeria deeply unsettling.
Politicians in Shock and Fear
Opposition politicians are reportedly shaken, with many expressing fears for their lives.
Some described the alleged importation as “a chilling development” that raises the specter of chemical weapons being deployed against dissenting voices.
Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, warning that the issue transcends partisan politics and touches directly on public safety, human rights, and democratic accountability.
The fear is palpable: lawmakers, activists, and opposition leaders now worry that the political space could be weaponized with substances capable of silent, undetectable killings.
The allegations have created an atmosphere of suspicion and heightened insecurity within Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Atiku’s Team Kicks
Paul Ibe, a Media Adviser to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, in a post entitled “What Is Thallium Sulphate, Why Does It Matter?” stated:
“Why we await the response of NSA Nuhu Ribadu to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai’s allegation of having caused the importation of Thallium Sulphate, let’s have an understanding of what the substance is.
“Thallium Sulphate is a highly toxic, odourless inorganic salt that has historically been used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide.
“It was banned in many regions, including the U.S., where there are allegations that it was used by the CIA.
“Extremely toxic to humans and animals, Thallium Sulphate acts as a cumulative poison, affecting the nervous system and hair.
Thallium Sulphate, which has been dubbed the “perfect poison” has symptoms manifesting in hair loss (alopecia), severe stomach pain, and neurological damage (numbness, pain in extremities).
“It was formerly used as a pesticide and in some medical treatments (e.g., ringworm), its use is now severely restricted or banned for consumer products.
“Because of the risks that Thallium Sulphate poses, it is regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a U.S. federal agency under the Department of Labour and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Ibe said he was constrained to question the need of Thallium Sulphate to our national security.
Questions of Accountability
El‑Rufai’s petition seeks answers on:
- The purpose and end‑use of the chemical.
- The supplier identity and permits under which it was procured.
- Storage and security safeguards to prevent misuse.
- Oversight by regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and the NCDC.
These questions strike at the heart of governance transparency, demanding clarity on whether the importation was for legitimate security purposes or something more sinister.
Fallout and Next Steps
The controversy is expected to trigger investigations by regulatory bodies and possible legislative scrutiny.
Analysts warn that unless the government provides clear explanations, the incident could deepen political mistrust, fuel fears of targeted repression, and erode public confidence in national institutions.
This episode raises fundamental questions about chemical safety, democratic oversight, and governance transparency in Nigeria.
For opposition politicians, the alleged importation of Thallium Sulphate has become more than a technical issue — it is now a matter of survival.
The unfolding drama underscores the fragile balance between national security and public trust.
Without transparency, Nigeria risks sliding into a climate of fear where political dissent is overshadowed by suspicions of covert repression.
The coming days will determine whether this controversy is resolved through accountability or becomes a defining crisis in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
