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Defence Headquarters confirms hackers attempted to compromise its official X account, prompting an immediate cybersecurity response to prevent unauthorised access and protect sensitive communication channels.
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Military authorities warn Nigerians, media organisations and stakeholders to disregard any suspicious or misleading posts from the account until full control is restored by technical experts.
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DHQ directs the public to rely on its verified Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms for authentic updates as efforts to recover the compromised account continue.
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Incident underscores rising cyber threats targeting government institutions, with Defence Headquarters reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding official information and maintaining public trust.
August 15, (THEWILL) — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that its official X (formerly Twitter) account came under an attempted cyberattack, triggering emergency security measures to prevent unauthorised access and protect the integrity of the military’s official communication channels.
The military high command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who said the attempted breach had been detected and was being treated as a serious cybersecurity incident.
According to the DHQ, technical experts immediately activated emergency response protocols to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access while efforts continue to restore full control of the platform.
The statement assured Nigerians that the military remains on top of the situation and is working round the clock to ensure that the official account is fully secured against cyber intruders.
Public Warned Against Fake Posts
As part of measures to minimise the spread of misinformation, the Defence Headquarters cautioned members of the public, journalists and other stakeholders against relying on any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that may appear on the X account while recovery efforts are ongoing.
It urged Nigerians to disregard any questionable posts originating from the account during the period, noting that only information released through verified official channels should be regarded as authentic.
“The incident is currently being treated as a cybersecurity matter and appropriate technical measures have been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access”, the statement said.
The military added that it would provide further updates as soon as the recovery process is completed.
Alternative Platforms for Verified Information
To ensure uninterrupted communication with the public, the Defence Headquarters advised Nigerians to obtain verified information through its other official social media platforms, including its Facebook page, Instagram account (@defenceheadquarters) and WhatsApp Channel, pending the full restoration of its X account.
The DHQ stressed that maintaining credible and timely information dissemination remains central to its operations, particularly at a time when false narratives and digital misinformation pose growing security concerns.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of information security, adding that safeguarding the integrity of official communications remains a top priority.
The military also appreciated the vigilance, patience and understanding of Nigerians, assuring the public that every necessary step is being taken to strengthen its digital infrastructure against future cyber threats.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
