By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The federal government on Tuesday dismissed allegations that it was planning to go after opposition figures through a programme tagged Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons (ADP4VIP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, the government said there is no iota of truth in the claims.

It was alleged that the government of President Bola Tinubu had concluded plans to harass the opposition, particularly those in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), through a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

This is coming at a time the government has been accused of going after key members of ADC, with the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, was remanded in prison today.

But in the statement, the Minister emphasised “there is no such programme as ADP4VIP,” noting that Mr Tinubu is “firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.”

Mr Idris noted that, “The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.”

“The government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the federal government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation’s best interest.

“Politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.

“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division.

“Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity. Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions retain the lawful mandate to operate in the nation’s interest.

“As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking. Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu administration remains dedicated to delivering,” the statement said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have arrested 19 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 22 illegal refining hubs, and recovered over 180,000 litres of stolen petroleum products valued at more than N150 million in a sustained crackdown on oil theft across the Niger Delta region.

The details of the operations were contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division.

According to the release, the operations were conducted between November 23 and December 28, 2025, with troops working “in close synergy with other security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the Niger Delta.”

“Troops have continued to dominate the operational landscape, effectively disrupting oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage,” the release stated.

The release disclosed that in Rivers State, troops uncovered 350 sacks containing more than 10,500 litres of stolen crude oil at Ogale Community in Eleme LGA, while two illegal refining sites were destroyed around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA.

At Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA, troops traced a hose spanning over nine kilometres, leading to four illegal refining sites equipped with large ovens, receivers, and dugout pits stocked with crude oil.

“Several illegal refining sites were destroyed, alongside large ovens, reservoirs, and pumping machines used in the illicit operations,” the release added.

In Bayejsa State, troops deactivated an illegal refining site at Siebu Creek in Ogbienbiri, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where a large reservoir containing over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil and a pumping machine were recovered.

Further operations around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA led to the destruction of several illegal refining sites, with over 17,000 litres of stolen products recovered. At Okarki waterside in Ogbia LGA, troops intercepted a concealed Cotonou boat loaded with 2,775 litres of stolen crude oil.

The release further revealed that in Delta State, troops intercepted a truck along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Agbor, allegedly discharging 45,000 litres of diverted petroleum products. Additional operations in Sapele and Ughelli South LGAs led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of illegally refined condensates.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops discovered a warehouse stocked with illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) at Ikot Ntuen Village in Abak LGA, where several jerricans filled with stolen products were seized.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops and charged them to sustain the momentum against oil thieves.

“The GOC urged troops to maintain the tempo against economic saboteurs who threaten critical national infrastructure,” the release said.

He also appealed to residents of the Niger Delta to support the military by providing credible information.

“The cooperation of law-abiding citizens remains critical to winning the fight against criminal networks in the region,” the statement noted.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national assets and ensuring continued security across the Niger Delta.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced the successful restoration of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in Warri, Delta State.

This was contained in a statement released by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the state-owned oil company, Mr Andy Odeh, late on Monday, December 29.

“Following the unexpected explosion on December 10, 2025, we immediately activated our emergency response, deployed coordinated containment measures, and worked tirelessly with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the damaged section was repaired, pressure-tested, and safely recommissioned.

“Today, the pipeline is fully operational, reaffirming our resilience and commitment to energy security.

“This achievement was made possible through the unwavering support of our host communities, the guidance of regulators, the vigilance of security agencies, and the dedication of our partners and staff.

“Together, we turned a challenging moment into a success story, restoring operations in record time while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

“As we move forward, NNPC Limited remains steadfast in its pledge to protect our environment, safeguard our communities, and maintain the integrity and reliability of our assets,” the statement read.