**Thallium Scare: Ribadu Denies Importation, Hands Matter to SSS** In a recent letter, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai raised eyebrows with allegations that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had procured a highly toxic substance, thallium sulphate, from a Polish supplier. But in a swift response, the ONSA has denied the claim, referring the matter to the State Security Services (SSS) for further investigation. According to sources, El-Rufai's letter, dated January 30, 2026, was a cause for concern as it highlighted the potential risks associated with thallium salts, which are tightly controlled substances with no place in our country's security or public health landscape. The former governor posed several questions to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification on the procurement, intended use, and storage of the substance. However, in a statement signed by Brigadier General OM Adesuyi on behalf of Ribadu, the ONSA denied the allegations, stating that no such procurement had taken place and was not planned. The statement read, "ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so." The matter has been referred to the SSS for a comprehensive investigation, and El-Rufai and other parties in possession of relevant information will be invited to provide evidence. This development is particularly significant in the context of Nigeria, where concerns about security and public health risks are always high on the nation's agenda. Thallium sulphate, as a highly toxic substance, poses a significant threat to human life, and its importation without proper regulation and oversight could have disastrous consequences. The swift denial by the ONSA and the referral of the matter to the SSS are welcome developments, as they demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability in the nation's security apparatus. As El-Rufai noted in his letter, public confidence in national institutions is strengthened when potential risks are openly addressed and managed. The SSS investigation will undoubtedly provide clarity on this matter, and Nigerians can only hope that the truth will be revealed soon. In conclusion, the thallium scare has served as a reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in our nation's security and public health systems. The denial by the ONSA and the referral of the matter to the SSS are steps in