Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Wednesday led a protest to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Abuja, expressing frustration over the country’s worsening security situation and questioning the effectiveness of military efforts against banditry and kidnappings.
The protest, which attracted members of the Ratel Movement and other supporters, came amid renewed concerns over a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions across the country in recent weeks.
The protesters chanted “APC must go!!!” And “Tinubu must go” as they marched.
Videos shared on social media pages showed protesters gathered outside the military facility carrying placards and chanting slogans as they called for stronger action against criminal gangs and terrorist groups.
In a statement accompanying a footage of the demonstration, the activist took aim at the Air Force’s budgetary allocation, arguing that insecurity remains widespread despite significant spending on security.
“The budget of the Nigerian Air Force 2026 is 400 billion naira; if they can’t keep bandits away, then they are the bandits,” VDM wrote.
Addressing supporters during the protest, VDM questioned why communities continue to suffer attacks, kidnappings and killings despite the resources allocated to security agencies.
“Our children are in the bush. Our women are being raped, a teacher was beheaded and you’re here holding gun, are you not ashamed?,” he questioned the soldiers who blocked them from entry.
The demonstration comes against the backdrop of several high-profile security incidents that have shocked Nigerians in recent weeks.
Among them was the abduction of dozens of students and a teacher during attacks on schools in Oyo State, a development that raised fresh concerns about the safety of educational institutions.
There was also outrage following reports from Zamfara State where armed bandits reportedly abducted dozens of villagers after inviting them to what was presented as a peace meeting.
In the North-East, suspected insurgents recently attacked a military base in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and highlighting the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the region.
VDM argued that Nigerians deserve answers on why such incidents continue despite increased security budgets and repeated assurances from authorities that progress is being made in the fight against insecurity.
According to videos from the protest, participants demanded greater accountability from security institutions and called for more decisive action to protect lives and property.