A New Target in VDM's Anti-Insecurity Campaign
After weeks of leading protests over kidnappings, demanding the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, and openly criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has now turned his attention to Nigeria's military establishment.
In a strongly worded video shared across his social media platforms, VDM questioned whether the country's enormous security spending is translating into meaningful protection for ordinary Nigerians. His comments have reignited a national debate over military accountability, defence funding, and the effectiveness of Nigeria's fight against terrorism and banditry.
The Backstory: Nigeria's Worsening Security Crisis
VDM's comments come against the backdrop of one of Nigeria's most challenging security periods in recent years.
Across several states, communities have continued to battle:
• Mass kidnappings.
• Bandit attacks on villages.
• Highway abductions.
• School invasions.
• Terrorist attacks in rural communities.
One incident that deeply affected VDM was the May 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, which sparked nationwide outrage and inspired his "Save Our Children" campaign. He subsequently organised protests, visited military facilities, called for nationwide school boycotts, and demanded stronger security operations against armed groups.
Remembering How the Military Once Responded
While addressing his followers, VDM reflected on how the Nigerian military historically reacted whenever soldiers were attacked.
According to him, entire communities were often subjected to aggressive military operations regardless of whether every resident was involved.
He recalled:
Using that comparison, he questioned why today's response to heavily armed criminal groups appears far less decisive.
The General's Kidnapping Raises Fresh Questions
A major part of VDM's argument centred on the kidnapping of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, and his wife in Katsina State.
The retired officer was abducted while travelling before later dying in captivity. His wife was eventually rescued during subsequent military operations. The kidnapping attracted nationwide attention because it involved one of Nigeria's senior retired military officers.
Referencing the incident, VDM questioned why stronger operations were not immediately launched against the kidnappers.
He stated:
Although security agencies have reported continuing operations against the gang responsible, VDM argued that Nigerians expected a more forceful response given the profile of the victim.
The Controversial Allegation
The most controversial portion of VDM's video came when he suggested that the persistence of insecurity raises uncomfortable questions about accountability within Nigeria's security system.
Without presenting evidence of wrongdoing, he questioned whether some individuals benefit from the continued existence of insecurity because of the massive financial resources allocated annually to defence.
His remarks echoed growing public frustration over the disconnect many Nigerians perceive between increasing defence budgets and continuing attacks across the country.
The comments immediately sparked intense debate online.
The Defence Budget Debate
For months, VDM has repeatedly questioned Nigeria's security spending.
During one of his anti-insecurity protests, he pointed to the reported hundreds of billions of naira allocated to the Nigerian Air Force and asked why bandits continue operating if such enormous resources are being invested in national defence.
Government officials, however, maintain that modern counter-terrorism operations involve:
• Intelligence gathering.
• Aircraft maintenance.
• Surveillance technology.
• Border security.
• Personnel welfare.
• Complex rescue missions.
Military authorities also argue that hostage situations require careful planning because kidnappers frequently use abducted civilians as human shields, making direct assaults extremely dangerous.
Mixed Reactions Online
VDM's comments generated sharply divided reactions.
Supporters argued that ordinary Nigerians have every right to question defence spending when kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks continue to affect daily life.
Critics, however, accused the activist of making sweeping allegations against military personnel who continue to risk their lives in difficult operations across the country.
Security experts have also cautioned that insecurity is driven by multiple factors, including intelligence gaps, community collaboration with criminal groups, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges, rather than military funding alone.
Part of VDM's Broader Campaign
The military criticism forms part of VDM's broader anti-insecurity campaign, which has recently included:
• Leading the "Save Our Children" movement.
• Visiting the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
• Calling for nationwide school boycotts.
• Demanding stronger action against bandits.
• Encouraging voter registration ahead of 2027.
• Repeatedly calling for greater government accountability.
His activism has increasingly shifted from celebrity commentary toward national governance and public policy, making him one of the country's most outspoken grassroots critics.