NBA controversy: VDM apologises to security agencies over ‘unknown gunmen’ remarks

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has apologised to Nigerian soldiers, police officers, customs and immigration personnel over controversial remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

VDM issued the apology in a video released on Friday, admitting that his description of the military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” was unfair to security personnel who are risking their lives to protect Nigerians.

The activist made the controversial remarks during a panel session at the NBA conference, where he was invited to speak on Nigeria’s insecurity and related issues.

During the discussion, VDM criticised the country’s security architecture and questioned why perpetrators of kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes were frequently described as “unknown gunmen”.

He also alleged that some security personnel manning checkpoints could identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about them to kidnappers. The claim attracted considerable attention and further intensified debate over the role of security agencies in tackling Nigeria’s insecurity.

However, in his latest video, VDM said he had reflected on his remarks and realised that the manner in which he delivered his criticism could be interpreted as a blanket accusation against the entire security establishment.

“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.

VDM maintained that he had intended to draw attention to individuals he described as “bad eggs” within the security agencies rather than accuse every soldier, police officer or other security operative of wrongdoing.

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“I know exactly what I was trying to say because, I mean, I have evidence to back up my claim, but I wasn’t fair to a lot of people in that speech,” he said.

The activist said he was particularly concerned about the effect his comments could have on soldiers serving in conflict zones and fighting Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.

“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,” he said.

He added that it would be unfair to describe such soldiers as “unknown gunmen”, noting that many had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say they are also the unknown gunmen, to be very honest, because these people have laid down their lives,” he said.

VDM consequently apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff, asking that his apology be extended to soldiers deployed to conflict areas.

“So I will go further to say to the Chief of Defence Staff, Sir, I really want to apologise for that speech, and I don’t want to discourage your boys,” he said.

“Please extend my apologies to your boys, to the ones that are in the bush protecting our lands,” he added.

He also apologised to personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as families of security personnel who have died while serving the country.

VDM said he understood that relatives of fallen security personnel could feel offended by his comments because their loved ones had made significant sacrifices in the service of Nigeria.

“To the families of these heroes that might have also felt offended by this speech, knowing fully well that their brother, their sister, their son, their husband fought and died for this country, I am really, really sorry,” he said.

Despite the apology, VDM maintained his criticism of alleged corruption and misconduct within the country’s security architecture.

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He said his original argument was aimed at what he described as individuals within the security agencies who allegedly leak sensitive information or sabotage the operations of their colleagues.

“My speech was not to discourage you. My speech was entirely to talk about the bad eggs in our security operative, our security forces, is to put attention on the bad eggs, so that the leaders in these security settings will look inward and to see that sometimes information are being leaked and their own people are sabotaging them,” he said.

VDM acknowledged that his choice of words made it appear as though he was generalising his allegations across the security agencies.

“But by passing that speech, like I said, it seems like I was generalising and it’s not fair to the fallen soldiers,” he said.

He also said he had maintained interactions with some police officers and had occasionally shared security-related information with them.

“Me and police, we work steady. I give, sometimes I share police information, tell them, ‘Oh, this is what is happening here, please, can you intercept,’” he said.

The activist urged security personnel who are carrying out their duties honestly not to be discouraged by his earlier remarks.

He said he was concerned that a soldier deployed in a remote location could watch the video of his NBA speech and feel that Nigerians did not appreciate the sacrifices being made by troops.

“Imagine a soldier fighting in the bush and he watches VDM’s video, and he’s like, ‘Ah, VDM is one of us now, unknown gunman.’ That would discourage him, to be honest,” he said.

At the same time, VDM maintained his allegations against individuals he believes are involved in corruption, sabotage or the leaking of sensitive information.

“But then again, to the bad eggs, your days are numbered,” he said.

“To all of you in the military that are sabotaging and causing deaths to your officers, your days are numbered,” he added.

The apology comes amid controversy over VDM’s appearance at the NBA Annual General Conference, which also attracted criticism from some members of the legal profession.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana had questioned the decision to invite the social media activist to participate in a specialised discussion, arguing that professional gatherings should ensure that speakers addressing specialised subjects possess relevant expertise.

VDM subsequently defended his participation and explained why he was invited to the conference. He later responded to some of the criticism through social media, including a video in which he appeared wearing a lawyer’s wig and gown.

The latest apology also follows the separate controversy surrounding VDM’s allegation that some police officers manning checkpoints allegedly pass information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers.

The Nigeria Police Force challenged him to provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

VDM, in response, maintained that he had evidence to support his claim and challenged the authorities to take him to court, saying he would present the evidence if required.

In his latest video, however, he clarified that his criticism was not intended to condemn security agencies or the personnel genuinely working to protect Nigerians.

“I actually know more than the people I was trying to communicate with, so it was not really communicated properly,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security personnel fighting terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats across the country.

“And to the patriots, to the heroes, to our fallen heroes that have died to protect this country… I am really, really sorry,” he said.

“Keep on fighting for our beloved country, God bless all of you. We Nigerians are with you,” he added.

VDM’s apology has now shifted part of the debate from the substance of his original allegations to the manner in which he communicated them.

While he has acknowledged that describing security agencies collectively as “unknown gunmen” was unfair, he continues to insist that alleged corruption, information leaks and internal sabotage within security institutions deserve attention.

His allegations against specific security personnel remain allegations and have not been established as facts by a court or independent investigation.

The police response and any subsequent investigation could determine whether evidence exists to substantiate specific claims made by the activist.

For now, VDM has sought to draw a distinction between his criticism of alleged misconduct within the security system and the work of soldiers, police officers and other personnel who risk their lives to protect Nigerians.

His latest comments are likely to fuel further discussion about the need for public criticism of security institutions to be balanced with recognition of the sacrifices made by personnel serving in conflict zones and other dangerous environments.

NBA controversy: VDM apologises to security agencies over ‘unknown gunmen’ remarks

Sambisa Forest: Over 23 terrorists reportedly killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP clash in Borno

More than 23 terrorists have reportedly been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State.

The latest confrontation reportedly occurred around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area.

Counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, saying the confrontation was part of a renewed wave of hostilities between the two rival terrorist organisations.

According to Makama, the latest fighting began about two days ago and involved sustained exchanges of gunfire as the factions battled to consolidate their positions and prevent each other from expanding their influence within the forest.

Preliminary intelligence indicated that more than 23 terrorists had been killed on both sides since the latest round of fighting began.

However, the exact casualty figures for Boko Haram and ISWAP could not be independently verified.

Makama said the confrontation reportedly started after ISWAP fighters moved into the Chingolo area, prompting Boko Haram fighters operating in the vicinity to launch an attack against the advancing group.

The latest clashes highlight the continuing rivalry between the two insurgent factions over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters operating in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

The rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP dates back several years and has periodically resulted in deadly clashes between fighters belonging to the two groups.

ISWAP emerged from a split within Boko Haram after some commanders and fighters pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Since then, the two factions have competed for influence, territory and access to resources across parts of Borno State and the wider Lake Chad Basin.

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The Sambisa Forest remains strategically important because of its difficult terrain and its history as a base for insurgent activity. The expansive forest has been the target of repeated military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist camps, disrupting logistics networks and restricting the movement of insurgents.

The latest internal fighting could further weaken both factions by inflicting casualties and disrupting their command structures, logistics and freedom of movement.

It could also provide security forces with an opportunity to gather intelligence on the locations and movements of fighters weakened by the confrontation.

The development comes amid continued Nigerian military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East.

Troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to conduct ground and air operations against terrorist positions in Borno and neighbouring areas, targeting fighters, camps, weapons and logistics networks.

Despite sustained military pressure, however, both Boko Haram and ISWAP have retained the ability to operate in remote areas and launch attacks, particularly around the Lake Chad Basin and parts of Borno State.

Recent security assessments have also pointed to continued militant activity across the Lake Chad Basin, with northeastern Nigeria remaining one of the major theatres of insurgent violence in the region.

The renewed Boko Haram-ISWAP confrontation therefore presents a complex security situation. While fighting between the rival factions could reduce their strength, prolonged instability could also create opportunities for surviving fighters to regroup, recruit new members or seek control of additional territory.

Security agencies are reportedly monitoring developments around the Sambisa Forest and Bama axis, while intelligence gathered from the clashes could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Communities in and around areas bordering the Sambisa Forest are also expected to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the relevant security authorities.

The casualty figure remains subject to further verification as security agencies continue to assess the extent of the fighting and its impact on the two rival insurgent factions.

Sambisa Forest: Over 23 terrorists reportedly killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP clash in Borno

Oyo kidnap rescue: Five security personnel, four civilians killed — DSS DG

IBADAN — Nine people, including five security personnel and four civilians, were killed during an operation to rescue pupils and teachers abducted by suspected members of an international terrorist organisation in Oyo State, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, has disclosed.

Ajayi made the disclosure while speaking on the operation in an interview published by Premium Times, providing fresh details about the security operation that eventually led to the rescue of the Oyo kidnap victims.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, after suspected terrorists invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Following the abduction, security agencies launched an intelligence-led operation to locate the victims and track down the perpetrators.

Ajayi said security operatives immediately pursued the kidnappers after receiving credible intelligence about the incident.

He disclosed that a vigilante member and a police officer were killed during the initial pursuit, while additional casualties occurred when security forces subsequently raided the kidnappers’ hideout.

“Immediately after the incident happened, based on credible intelligence, troops chased them immediately, and sadly, a vigilante and a policeman were killed. During the second raid, more were killed, making a total of nine fatalities, four civilians and five security personnel,” Ajayi said.

The DSS director-general described the operation as particularly challenging because of the presence of very young children among the abducted victims.

According to him, one of the hostages was a two-and-a-half-year-old child, making it necessary for security agencies to carefully weigh the risks of launching a direct assault on the kidnappers’ location.

“It was a complex operation involving a two-and-a-half-year-old infant who could not run much if we invaded the place,” Ajayi said.

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The security agencies subsequently succeeded in rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers after weeks of sustained intelligence and operational efforts.

The Nigerian Army had earlier said the rescue operation involved several security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, DSS, National Intelligence Agency and National Counter-Terrorism Centre, alongside local security groups.

The operation also involved local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps who provided intelligence and assistance in navigating the difficult terrain where the victims were being held.

The abducted pupils and teachers were eventually released after spending 56 days in captivity.

The rescue attracted widespread attention because of reports that the kidnappers had demanded the release of detained members of their organisation in exchange for the victims.

Security authorities, however, maintained that the government did not grant the reported demand and that the victims were recovered through sustained pressure on the criminal network.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of several suspected members of the kidnapping group.

The Presidency previously said eight suspected members of the group were arrested and handed over to the DSS for investigation and prosecution.

Ajayi, while discussing the operation, also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation and deepfake videos on social media during the period the victims were being held.

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He said videos showing children allegedly being tortured and injured were circulated online and falsely presented as footage from the Oyo kidnapping.

According to the DSS chief, some of the videos were actually old footage from another country and had no connection with the incident in Oyo State.

“As expected, the rescue operation attracted a lot of social media disinformation. You have to sieve the information there,” Ajayi said.

He further alleged that some of the videos circulated during the crisis had been manipulated or misrepresented to create the impression that the abducted children were being subjected to brutal treatment.

“While that incident lasted, they were posting deepfake videos of children beaten with lacerations on their bodies. They were actually footage from a particular country on witchcraft-related incidents passed off as real-time crude events here,” he said.

Ajayi urged media organisations to strengthen their verification processes when reporting sensitive security and kidnapping incidents, particularly where unverified videos and social media claims are involved.

He said journalists had a responsibility to separate verified information from false narratives and avoid amplifying material that could create unnecessary panic or distress for victims’ families.

“Recall the victims recounted how well-treated they were by the criminals. So, one of the things I’d like you to do in the media is fact-finding and separating facts from fiction,” the DSS director-general said.

Ajayi also provided further information about the group accused of carrying out the Oyo school abduction, describing it as an international terrorist organisation with links to Al-Qaeda.

He said the DSS had previously arrested some of the organisation’s leaders and that their detention had helped prevent other planned high-profile attacks.

According to him, some of the detained leaders were allegedly connected with the Abuja-Kaduna train attack and were planning further abductions involving foreigners, students, women and children.

“Citizens ought to know that the incarcerated leaders of the kidnap group who were requested in exchange for the victims were arrested last year by the Service; their arrest helped to prevent high-profile attacks,” Ajayi said.

He added that the suspects were allegedly found complicit in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack and had been planning additional mass kidnappings.

Ajayi also alleged that the organisation sought recognition as a state and wanted freedom to practise its religion within a designated territory.

He disclosed that the organisation’s alleged kingpins and three other collaborators had been sentenced to life imprisonment, while the DSS would seek stiffer punishment.

“The kingpins are the ones now sentenced to life imprisonment. The three other collaborators earned life imprisonment, and the Service will push for a stiffer penalty,” he said.

The Oyo kidnapping has renewed concerns over the expansion of organised kidnapping and terrorist activities into parts of the South-West.

The incident was particularly significant because large-scale school abductions have historically been more closely associated with parts of northern Nigeria, while Oyo and neighbouring states have generally experienced different forms of insecurity.

The successful rescue also underscored the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies in hostage situations.

The nine deaths disclosed by the DSS DG, however, highlight the risks involved in kidnap rescue operations, particularly when security forces are attempting to recover children and other vulnerable victims from armed groups.

The DSS has continued to emphasise the importance of intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation and accurate information in tackling terrorism and kidnapping.

The agency has also warned that the spread of fake videos, fabricated reports and other forms of online misinformation can complicate security operations and cause additional trauma to victims and their families.

For the families of the rescued pupils and teachers, the eventual release of the victims brought an end to more than seven weeks of uncertainty.

But the latest revelation about the casualties recorded during the operation provides a fuller picture of the dangers faced by civilians and security personnel in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria.

Oyo kidnap rescue: Five security personnel, four civilians killed — DSS DG