The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its official X account has been fully restored and is once again under exclusive official management. This development marks the end of a prolonged recovery process that began after an attempted cyber breach in late August. The account, @HQNigerianArmy, was compromised on August 29, 2026, around 5 pm, prompting immediate technical and protective measures to secure the platform.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed at the time that the incident was being treated as a cybersecurity breach. The Army took swift action to prevent further unauthorized access and protect the integrity of official communications. During the period of restricted control, the Army advised the public and media to disregard any suspicious, misleading, or unverified content appearing on the account.
The Army directed Nigerians to rely on its other verified platforms, including Facebook and Instagram accounts under @hqnigerianarmy and @nigerianarmyinfo, the X handle @nigerianarmyinfo, and official YouTube channels, for authentic information. This measure ensured that the public continued to receive reliable information on security operations and defense matters.
The August incident followed a similar cyberattack on the Defence Headquarters’ X account (@DHQNigeria) earlier that month. The DHQ account was recovered within days and announced its return with a short “WE’RE BACK” message. The swift recovery of the DHQ account was a testament to the effectiveness of the measures in place to counter cyber threats.
With the restoration of @HQNigerianArmy now confirmed, the Army has reclaimed one of its primary channels for direct public communication on security operations and defence matters. The account remains the official verified handle of the Nigerian Army. The recovery of the account is a significant development in the Army’s efforts to maintain transparency and credibility in its communications.
The Nigerian Army’s experience highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government and institutional accounts. The incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent and respond to such breaches. The Army’s swift response and transparent communication during the incident demonstrate its commitment to protecting its online presence and maintaining public trust.
The restoration of the X account is a welcome development for the Nigerian Army and its followers. The Army’s announcement, posted on its X handle, expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and understanding during the recovery process. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the face of emerging threats to online security.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army's official X account was compromised on August 29, 2026, but has been fully restored.
Reporting sources
- Army recovers X account after hack attempt · InfoGiant FM
