Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of hiring counter-protesters to undermine the recent #EndInsecurity demonstrations. The protests, held nationwide on Democracy Day, June 12, 2026, were sparked by mounting anger over kidnappings and killings by armed groups.
Falz, who joined other prominent figures including human rights lawyer Femi Falana and activist Omoyele Sowore, said in an Instagram video that he was shocked to see what he described as “rented crowds” opposing the protest. “We stepped out on Friday to protest the worsening level of insecurity and the mass abduction across the country. What was wild to see was that Tinubu and his supporters had rented a crowd of counter protesters, the majority of which were women. These women have children,” he said.
He referenced recent tragedies, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State earlier this year. In that incident, dozens of pupils were taken by gunmen, sparking outrage and fear across the country. Many remain missing. Falz also cited the massacre in Woro, Kwara State, where insurgents attacked in broad daylight in February, killing about 200 people and abducting 176 others who are still in captivity. He pointed to similar attacks in Borno State, where children from primary and secondary schools were abducted and have yet to return home.
“This is literally the end of us if we allow this to continue,” Falz said. “It could be your children tomorrow. We’ve been complaining of how difficult things are, how high the cost of living is becoming, but how are you even going to hustle or make a better living if you’re not even alive?”
Falz, son of respected lawyer and activist Femi Falana, has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken artists, using his music and platform to challenge corruption, police brutality, and government failures. He was a leading voice in the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which drew global attention to police violence in Nigeria.
Reactions to his latest remarks have been intense. On social media, hashtags like #EndInsecurity and #FalzSpeaksTruth trended, with many Nigerians praising his courage. Some accused the government of trying to silence dissent, while others defended the administration, arguing that protests should not disrupt national events.
Policy makers have been divided. Opposition figures said Falz’s allegations highlight a government unwilling to confront insecurity head-on, while ruling party officials dismissed the claims as “baseless.” Civil society groups, however, backed the protesters, warning that insecurity has reached a breaking point and requires urgent action.
Opinion leaders across the country echoed Falz’s concerns. A prominent cleric in Abuja said, “When artists and activists are the ones speaking for the people, it shows the government has lost touch with reality.” Business leaders warned that persistent insecurity is damaging investment and eroding public trust.
The #EndInsecurity protests have reignited debates about governance, accountability, and the role of citizens in demanding change. For Falz, the message is clear: “Free all captives, end insecurity now.”
