In a video released on Friday, Otse admitted that his choice of words was unfair to security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the country.
The activist had caused controversy at the NBA conference after referring to the military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” while speaking about insecurity and alleged failures within the security system.
Reflecting on the incident, Otse said he did not intend to portray every member of the security agencies as being involved in criminal activities.
He explained that his actual target was what he described as “bad eggs” within the various security formations whom he accused of corruption, sabotage and leaking sensitive information.
According to him, his comments could have been discouraging to soldiers currently operating in dangerous environments.
He specifically apologised to soldiers fighting Boko Haram and other threats in the country’s forests and border areas, acknowledging the sacrifices made by personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Otse also extended his apology to the Chief of Defence Staff, the leadership of the police, customs and immigration services, as well as families of security personnel who have died protecting the country.
He said his remarks appeared to generalise his criticism, which he admitted was unfair to patriotic officers and fallen heroes.
While maintaining that corruption and misconduct exist within some security agencies, the activist stressed that many personnel remain committed to protecting Nigerians.
He said he had personally interacted with police officers and sometimes shared information with them to assist in security operations.
Otse further appealed to personnel serving in difficult and dangerous conditions not to allow his comments to discourage them.
He said Nigerians should continue to support security officers who are genuinely committed to protecting lives and property.
However, he maintained his criticism of personnel whom he accused of sabotaging operations, supplying arms or leaking information to terrorists, warning that such individuals would eventually be exposed.
The apology follows criticism of Otse’s appearance at the NBA conference, particularly from Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who questioned the suitability of using inexperienced speakers for specialised discussions.
Otse had earlier defended his invitation to the conference and later responded to the controversy by appearing in a lawyer’s wig and gown in a social media video.
His latest apology also comes amid a separate dispute over claims he made concerning some police officers allegedly passing information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers.
The police challenged him to provide evidence, while Otse maintained that he was prepared to defend his claims in court.
In his latest video, however, the activist acknowledged that although he believed his concerns were valid, he failed to communicate them properly.
He ended his message by urging Nigerians to stand behind security personnel who continue to fight to protect the country, while honouring officers who have lost their lives in service.
