The Federal Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that it plans to arrest and prosecute prominent opposition politicians through a purported task force. The clarification was issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The allegations stem from a document referencing a programme titled “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), which reportedly involves agencies including the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. The government described the document as fake, insisting that no such operation or task force exists.
In a statement signed by the Minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris accused unnamed political actors of attempting to mislead the public. He said the narrative was created to suggest political targeting, particularly against members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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“The Federal Government has no programme called ADP4VIP,” the statement reads. “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on economic reforms, security, trade expansion, and rebuilding investor confidence.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s stance on rule of law and constitutional rights, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association. He added that law enforcement agencies remain independent and are expected to carry out their duties without interference.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the government urged Nigerians to be cautious of what it described as rising political misinformation. Idris called on citizens to reject fake news and avoid narratives capable of causing division.
