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Speaking in the video, Otse clarified that his intention had been to highlight alleged misconduct within the ranks of security agencies, not to indict the entire system. However, he admitted that his delivery created a different impression.
KaNo—
Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has issued a public apology to Nigeria’s security agencies following backlash over remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association 66th Annual General Conference.
In a video released on Friday, Otse acknowledged that his comments at the conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were unfair to many personnel serving in the country’s armed and paramilitary forces.
He said he had reflected on his speech and recognised that his choice of words risked undermining the sacrifices of officers who continue to confront security threats across the country.
The controversy stemmed from Otse’s description of members of the military, police, immigration and customs services as “unknown gunmen” during a panel discussion on insecurity.
The phrase, widely used in Nigeria to describe unidentified armed groups responsible for attacks, sparked criticism from stakeholders who accused him of generalising and disrespecting security operatives.
VDM Clarifies Intention
However, he admitted that his delivery created a different impression.
“I don’t think I was fair to a lot of people, particularly the speech where I said that the military are the unknown gunmen, the police are the unknown gunmen, you know, the immigration, the customs,” he said.
He expressed particular concern about the impact of his remarks on frontline personnel engaged in counterinsurgency operations, especially those battling extremist groups such as Boko Haram in the North-East.
“That speech was not fair, especially to the soldiers that are in the bushes fighting Boko Haram to protect our lands, to protect our lives, and to protect our families,” Otse said.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say they are also the unknown gunmen… because these people have laid down their lives.”he added.
The activist stressed that his original message was aimed at drawing attention to what he described as “bad eggs” within the system individuals allegedly involved in corruption, sabotage, and intelligence leaks that compromise operations.
According to him, internal sabotage has contributed to insecurity, and he intended to provoke institutional introspection.
“My speech was entirely to talk about the bad eggs in our security forces, to put attention on them so that the leadership… will look inward,” he said.
“But the way I passed that speech, it seems like I was generalising, and it’s not fair to the fallen soldiers.”
VDM Apologises To Security Agencies
Otse extended a direct apology to the leadership of Nigeria’s security architecture, including the Chief of Defence Staff, urging that his message be conveyed to troops in active service.
“So I will go further to say to the Chief of Defence Staff, Sir, I really want to apologise for that speech,” he said. “Please extend my apologies to your boys, to the ones that are in the bush protecting our lands.”
He also apologised to the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as families of personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“To the families of these heroes… I am really, really sorry,” he said, acknowledging that his earlier remarks could have been hurtful to those who have made personal sacrifices for the country.
Despite the apology, Otse maintained that concerns about corruption within security institutions remain valid.
He reiterated his claim that some officers both senior and junior engage in misconduct, but emphasised that they do not represent the majority.
“Yes, there are bad eggs… but there are still a lot more good people,” he said. “And I know a lot of them.”
He added that his interactions with law enforcement officials have given him insight into the operational challenges they face, noting that he has, at times, shared information with the police to aid investigations.
“Imagine a soldier fighting in the bush and he watches VDM’s video… that would discourage him,” he said. “And that is not what I want.”
He urged security personnel not to lose motivation, assuring them of public support.
“Please don’t be discouraged… we’re there behind you, and we’ll always support you. Security is for all of us,” he said.
However, he maintained a stern warning to those he accused of aiding criminal elements, including leaking sensitive information or supplying arms to insurgents.
“To the bad eggs, your days are numbered,” he said. “To all of you… sabotaging and causing deaths to your officers, your days are numbered.”
The apology comes amid sustained criticism over Otse’s participation in the NBA conference, where his invitation as a speaker drew mixed reactions. Some legal practitioners questioned his inclusion in a forum traditionally dominated by legal experts and policymakers.
Falana Challenges VDM Presence At NBA Conference
Otse had earlier defended his invitation, arguing that his advocacy work and public engagement on issues of accountability and governance justified his presence.
In response to the backlash, he also posted a satirical video of himself wearing a lawyer’s wig and gown, which further fueled online debate.
His latest apology also follows a separate dispute with the police over allegations he made regarding checkpoint officers.
Otse had claimed that some officers pass information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers, a claim the police dismissed while demanding evidence.
The series of controversies has kept Otse at the centre of public discourse, highlighting tensions between citizen activism and institutional accountability in Nigeria.
While his apology may ease immediate tensions with security agencies, it also underscores the sensitivity surrounding public commentary on national security.
Observers say the incident reflects the broader challenge of balancing criticism of institutions with recognition of the sacrifices made by individuals within them.
