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El-Rufai Writes NSA, Demands Explanation on Alleged Procurement of Deadly Poison to Nigeria

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3 weeks ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has formally requested clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding the alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical substance, Thallium Sulphate.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, El-Rufai stated he was acting “as a concerned citizen” to seek details about what he described as the procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of the substance, reportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland. The letter was received by ONSA on February 11, 2026.

According to Science Direct, Thallium sulfate is an extremely hazardous substance. It is a tasteless, odourless, and colourless crystalline powder historically used as a potent rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its extreme toxicity—with a fatal human dose estimated to be as low as 8 to 12 milligrammes per kilogramme—its use is tightly restricted or banned in many countries. The chemical mimics potassium in the body, leading to severe nervous system damage, hair loss, and potentially death.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” raises several critical questions regarding the purpose, regulatory compliance, and safety measures surrounding the reported acquisition.

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El-Rufai wrote that he was seeking clarification as a concerned citizen based on information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilogrammes of Thallium Sulphate by ONSA, reportedly from a supplier in Poland. Highlighting the grave danger posed by the substance, he stressed the need for transparency, noting that because thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, it was important for public safety, democratic accountability, and maintaining public trust to confirm specific details.

He therefore sought clarification on the intended purpose and end-use of the imported Thallium Sulphate, the supplier’s identity, and whether the material was imported under an existing chemical or defence permit. He also requested information on the total quantity and specific form or concentration being procured or already procured, as well as the storage and security arrangements for the material upon arrival.

Furthermore, he asked about the regulatory oversight and coordination with NAFDAC, NCDC, and relevant public-health and environmental agencies, and whether any public-health risk assessments or hazard-mitigation plans had been developed given the compound’s extreme toxicity.

El-Rufai emphasised that his inquiry was made in good faith, with the sole aim of ensuring due process and transparency, rather than inflaming political tensions. He stated that public confidence in the integrity of national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed.

The former governor requested continued dialogue with the NSA’s office on the matter and expressed appreciation for a response or a point of contact within the office for further engagement to reassure concerned Nigerian citizens in the opposition.

In a move underscoring the demand for transparency, El-Rufai copied the correspondence to the Directors-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as the National Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The inquiry comes amid recent political tension, following claims by the former governor that NSA Ribadu ordered his arrest, an incident that led to a recent altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. It also follows El-Rufai’s assertion that an individual had intercepted a phone conversation confirming the NSA’s involvement in the alleged arrest attempt.

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Presidency Claims Insecurity Is Not Getting Worse As Terrorists Abduct Hundreds of Nigerians

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28 minutes ago

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March 8, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said insecurity in Nigeria is not worsening.

Nigeria has in recent times witnessed renewed terrorist activities, including the abduction of school children in Niger, Kebbi States, attacks on mosques and churches, and other violent incidents that have affected communities across the country.

On Wednesday, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted more than 100 women and children in an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The terrorists also killed the chief imam of the town, some community elders and soldiers during the assault which occurred shortly after Muslims broke their fast on the ill-fated day.

Speaking on Al-Jazeera’s Head to Head with Mehdi Hassan at Conway Hall in London, Bwala said the Nigerian government was doing its best to contain the situation.

He noted that for the first two years of the President’s administration, Nigeria experienced substantial peace.

“I acknowledge the fact that we have insecurity in Nigeria, and until the hoax narrative of the ‘Christians genocide,’ we began to see back-to-back attacks in the country. For the first two years of the present administration, we experienced substantial peace in Nigeria.

“There is no country in the world today that is completely free from insecurity. There are parts of London where you cannot go in the evening.”

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On renewed terrorist attacks in some parts of the country, Bwala stated that Nigeria was cooperating with different countries to stem the tide of insecurity affecting it.

“That is one of the reasons the President travelled to Turkey, where we reached a bilateral agreement to deal with insecurity. That is also why we are cooperating with the United States of America and other countries of the world. The reason is that, since 9/11, terrorism has been a global phenomenon, and every country is involved in it.

“I can’t say it is getting worse. As a government, we are working day and night to deal with the situation.

“I don’t agree to the fact that it (insecurity) is getting worse.” he insisted.

Bwala accused Western media of portraying Nigeria and Africa negatively. Using a glass of water to illustrate his point, the presidential aide said while the western media would see it as half empty, Nigerians would view it as half full.

“Before the President took office, we knew the situation in Nigeria. When he decided to take bold steps to place the country on a better trajectory, we were well aware of the fact that it was going to incense lots of people.”

He highlighted government efforts to confront terrorism, including, according to him, the arrest of Boko Haram and Lakurawa leaders six months before the US President Donald Trump’s statement on insecurity and redesignation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

“Six months before that, we arrested leaders of Boko Haram and Lakurawa, and prior to that, we eliminated a number of terrorists. The US State Department commended Nigeria for that. The US Embassy recognised these efforts even before Trump’s statement.

“We declared national emergency on insecurity six months before Donald Trump’s statement. That was around April or May 2025.”

Answering questions around rising spate of kidnappings in the country, Bwala, however, admitted that the situation has become a crime economy.

“I acknowledge that insecurity related to kidnappings has become a crisis economy, but much more than that, I know of our government’s efforts in dealing with that insecurity.

“If one understands Nigeria’s geography and the nature of insecurity, one will understand that we are confronting a complex, hydra-headed problem.

“Regarding the kidnapping of children, the government has implemented the Safe Schools Initiative, relocating students from remote, insecure areas to state capitals so they can access the education they need safely.” he added.

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Labour Party Returns to Its Roots: A Chance for Reform and Grassroots Mobilization

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17 hours ago

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March 7, 2026

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After months of legal and political contest, the Labour Party appears to be returning to the control of its founding base Nigeria’s organized labour movement and grassroots supporters. Party insiders told reporters that the shift marks “a re‑alignment with the original vision of the Labour Party as a workers’ platform.”

The Labour Party was originally established with strong backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria. According to labour historians, the party was designed to provide workers, professionals, and ordinary citizens with a political platform that represents their interests.

However, analysts note that the party’s recent surge in popularity attracted many political actors, creating internal struggles over leadership and direction. The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which on 5 April 2025 ruled that political parties must operate according to their constitutions and internal democratic principles. Legal experts described the judgment as “a landmark decision reinforcing party discipline.”

Labour leaders say the ruling represents an opportunity to rebuild the party around its original ideology of social justice and people‑centered governance. Speaking in Kano, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary of the NLC Kano Council, emphasized that “this is a chance to restore the Labour Party’s founding mission as the political voice of Nigeria’s working people.”

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Stakeholders argue that to prevent future hijack, the party must strengthen internal democracy, ensure transparent primaries, and create institutional roles for labour organizations in its decision‑making structures. According to party officials, clear membership verification and strong disciplinary measures will also be necessary to discourage opportunistic infiltration.

Beyond internal reforms, Labour Party leaders believe the real task is rebuilding grassroots structures across the country. In a statement, senior officials explained that mobilizing trade unions, youth groups, professionals, and community networks will be key to transforming the party into a strong mass movement.

Political observers caution that the coming months will determine whether the party can consolidate its base and maintain its identity as a genuine workers’ platform. One analyst noted that “the Labour Party’s survival depends on whether it can balance its grassroots appeal with the pressures of national politics.”

For many supporters, the moment represents more than a leadership victory. As Comrade Ibrahim put it, “At last, the Labour Party has returned to its roots, underscoring the need for persistent reform, visibility, and mobilization to guard against political hijack. A stitch in time saves nine.

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Ambassadorial Posting: FFK, Reno Posted to Germany, Mexico

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1 day ago

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March 6, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

In the list which was released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, on Friday afternoon, a total of 65 ambassadors and High Commissioners were posted across the country.

The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December last year.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, was posted to Qatar, Femi Fani-Kayode was posted to Germany, while Reno Omokri was posted to Mexico.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahin was posted to the United Nations; former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau was posted to China, while ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the new ambassador to Spain.

Below is the list:

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

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POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agreement from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

Similarly, France has sent the agreement for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

It added that the Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.

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