Adeboje Lukman
Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that politics is at the root of Nigeria’s insecurity, claiming that some government and security officials benefit from the worsening security situation.
VDM made the allegations on Tuesday while speaking as a panellist at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking during a session on “Known Gun Men,” the activist said the people suffering most from insecurity are ordinary Nigerians, while those who benefit from the situation are allegedly protected by the system.
“I think the root of insecurity is politics. The people who benefit from it are the ones who cause it: the government, the police, the military men,” VDM said, according to reports from the conference.
He further alleged that increased insecurity had led to increased financial benefits for some senior security personnel, arguing that the continued allocation of resources to security had not translated into adequate protection for citizens.
VDM also questioned the effectiveness of security agencies in dealing with kidnappers and other armed groups. He alleged that security agencies often have information about perpetrators of attacks but fail to act decisively against them.
“There are no unknown gunmen anywhere,” he reportedly said, while making broader allegations against personnel of the military, police, immigration and customs services. He did not provide evidence at the conference to substantiate those allegations.
The activist also argued that Nigeria’s security agencies are understaffed and called for measures that would enable citizens to protect themselves. He suggested making it easier for Nigerians to access firearms, a proposal that is likely to generate further debate given the country’s existing challenges with armed violence.
VDM said his views were informed by what he described as firsthand experiences at scenes of violent attacks across the country. He told the gathering that he had witnessed victims and the aftermath of attacks, including incidents in Yelwata and Borno State.
He also defended his presence at the NBA conference, saying he was not invited to teach lawyers about the law but to share his experiences with insecurity.
“There has been a lot of debate about why I was invited to this NBA conference. I’m not here to teach you people law; I’m here to share experience,” he said.
VDM’s remarks have sparked debate, particularly his allegations against government and security institutions. The claims remain allegations and have not, in themselves, established that government or security agencies deliberately sustain insecurity for financial or political benefit. Military representatives at the session reportedly cautioned against making broad allegations without evidence.
The NBA conference, which is being held in Port Harcourt, has brought together lawyers, judges, security officials and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting Nigeria’s justice system and national development.