VeryDarkMan Retracts “Unknown Gunmen” Label, Apologises to Military, Police, and Families of Fallen Heroes Over NBA Speech

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has tendered an apology to Nigeria’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies following backlash over statements he delivered during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

In a video statement addressing the controversy, Otse acknowledged that his characterisation of military, police, customs, and immigration personnel as “unknown gunmen” was reckless and unfairly maligned officers serving with integrity. He noted that after re-evaluating his statements, he realized his language downplayed the real sacrifices made by troops stationed in dangerous frontline zones battling Boko Haram, banditry, and armed cartels across the country.

Explaining the intent behind his speech, Otse maintained that he did not set out to accuse all security personnel of criminality. Rather, he said his objective was to call out deep-seated corruption, sabotage, and rogue operatives within the security architecture who leak intelligence to kidnappers and criminal networks. He admitted, however, that his delivery was flawed and gave the wrong impression of a blanket condemnation against entire institutions.

The activist offered a direct apology to the Chief of Defence Staff, the heads of the police, immigration, and customs services, as well as the families of service members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. He urged Nigerians to continue standing by patriotic officers fighting to secure the country, emphasizing that valid institutional criticism should never overshadow the bravery of frontline defenders.

The controversy extends beyond Otse’s speech, tapping into a broader debate triggered by his presence at the premier annual gathering of the Nigerian Bar. His appearance on a panel examining national security and the rule of law had sparked pushback from several senior lawyers, including prominent rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN), who questioned the decision to invite a polarizing online figure to discuss sensitive matters traditionally handled by established experts.

While Otse reaffirmed his commitment to exposing official corruption and demanding institutional accountability, his public retreat marks an acknowledgment of the fine line between calling out systemic flaws and undermining national security morale.