The Federal Government has dismissed claims of a secret multi-agency operation allegedly designed to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute leading opposition politicians.
Authorities described a widely circulated document on social media as “fabricated” and part of a deliberate campaign of disinformation.
The disputed document reportedly outlined a special task force, codenamed “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), involving anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It claimed the unit, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, targeted prominent opposition figures to weaken political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, firmly denied the existence of such a program.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it has no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. The circulated document alleging the creation of a multi-agency task force named ‘ADP4VIP’ is entirely false,” the statement read.
It added that the document wrongly cited the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as participants in a coordinated effort to target opposition leaders, including members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), without due process.
“The so-called ‘credible sources’ cited in the document are part of a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and suggest a systematic weakening of opposition political activity,” the release stated.
The government stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on key priorities, including implementing economic reforms, combating insecurity, expanding trade, and restoring investor confidence. It accused some opposition elements of using the disinformation to frame lawful accountability measures as political targeting, creating a misleading narrative to protect certain individuals from the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the government invoked Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees Nigerians the right to freely associate and assemble. It also highlighted President Tinubu’s dedication to upholding the Constitution and democratic norms.
“The Federal Government remains committed to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions,” the statement said, warning against the spread of fake news and disinformation, especially as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Citizens were urged to reject “the politics of distortion and division” and remain vigilant. The press release comes amid ongoing political tensions and discussions around opposition coalitions and the role of parties like the ADC in potential challenges to the ruling APC.
