Military representatives have pushed back against allegations made by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. These allegations were over the role of security agencies in Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, which ultimately sparked what has now been called the Military VDM clash.
According to TheNigeriaLawyer, the confrontation occurred during the “Known Gun Men” plenary at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. VDM had made sweeping allegations against the government and security agencies during the event, setting the scene for the ongoing Military VDM clash.
Military challenges VDM’s claims
During his contribution to the panel, VeryDarkMan questioned the continued description of perpetrators of violent attacks as “unknown gunmen”. He also alleged that some security personnel were aware of the identities and activities of criminal groups, fuelling the Military VDM clash during the discussion.
He also suggested that corruption within security institutions was contributing to the persistence of insecurity across the country.
His comments prompted a female military representative at the conference to intervene.
She argued that serious accusations against an entire institution could not be allowed to stand without evidence, particularly before a gathering of lawyers.
“If VeryDarkMan will sit here and say that all military are corrupt, it’s as good as saying all lawyers are corrupt,” she said.
The officer maintained that wrongdoing by individual personnel should not automatically be used to condemn the entire Armed Forces.
‘Present your proof’
The military representative challenged VDM to provide evidence for his allegations. She asked him to submit any information he possessed to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
She stressed that allegations of corruption or collaboration with criminals should be directed at identifiable individuals and supported with proof. This should happen rather than being extended to every member of the military.
The officer also defended the sacrifices of Nigerian troops. She noted that personnel continue to lose their lives while fighting terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
She said the Armed Forces, working alongside other security agencies, remained central to maintaining stability across the country and the Military VDM clash further emphasised the divides in public perception.
Another military representative, who introduced himself as a colonel, also joined the exchange. He raised concerns about making broad allegations before such a large gathering of legal professionals.
VDM had accused security agencies
Before the military intervention, VDM had alleged that Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity benefits some people within government and the security architecture.
He also questioned how kidnappings continue along highways despite the presence of numerous police and security checkpoints.
VDM alleged that corrupt personnel could sometimes provide information about travellers to criminal groups. However, he did not present evidence during the session establishing such collaboration.
The social commentator also argued that the welfare of security personnel needed urgent attention. He said poorly treated officers could become vulnerable to corruption.
VDM apologises after confrontation
Following the military representative’s response, VeryDarkMan apologised for appearing to generalise his allegations. In summary, the Military VDM clash captured the tension between the two parties during the event.
“I would like to apologise to the Nigerian military. Maybe I generalised everything,” he said.
He, however, maintained that his remarks were aimed at drawing attention to problems. He believes these problems exist within the country’s security system.
VDM had earlier defended his invitation to the NBA conference by saying he was not there to teach lawyers about law. Instead, he aimed to share experiences gathered from visiting communities affected by insecurity.
He cited visits to areas hit by killings and attacks as part of the reason he believed he had something to contribute to the conversation.
Debate over security accountability
The heated exchange highlighted the wider debate over accountability within Nigeria’s security agencies. Meanwhile, the country continues to battle kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and communal violence.
While VDM argued that corruption and institutional failures needed to be confronted, the military representatives insisted that criticism must be backed by verifiable evidence. Furthermore, it should not amount to a blanket condemnation of personnel serving in the Armed Forces.
The exchange became one of the notable moments of the NBA conference. As a result, VDM eventually acknowledged that his earlier comments may have been too broad.
