Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Interior has come under intense public criticism after its verified X (formerly Twitter) account allegedly reposted sexually explicit content from an adult content creator, triggering outrage and embarrassment across social media.
The controversial repost, which appeared on the official handle of the Ministry, quickly went viral before it was later deleted. Screenshots circulating online showed the Ministry’s account reposting a post containing revealing imagery from a female X user identified as “Lena.”
The incident sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning how such content could appear on the official page of a federal institution responsible for internal security, citizenship administration and national integrity. The Ministry’s X account, Ministry of Interior X Page, is one of the government’s major communication channels.
According to reports, the repost reportedly remained visible for several hours before being removed, fueling speculation that the account may have been compromised or mishandled by whoever manages the Ministry’s social media platforms. As of the time of reporting, no official explanation or apology had been issued by the Ministry regarding the incident.
The controversy has reignited conversations around cybersecurity, digital professionalism and social media management within Nigerian government institutions. Critics argue that official government accounts should have stronger safeguards, including multi-factor authentication and stricter oversight of account administrators, to prevent reputational damage and possible security breaches.
Social media users reacted with a mix of shock, mockery and concern. While some described the incident as a national embarrassment, others questioned whether the repost was accidental or evidence of unauthorized access to the account.
The Ministry of Interior, which oversees agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, plays a critical role in Nigeria’s internal administration and public safety.
Digital communication experts say the incident highlights the growing risks associated with managing high-profile government accounts in an era where cyberattacks, phishing and internal mishandling remain common threats.
The screenshots of the repost continue to circulate online despite the deletion of the original post, further amplifying public scrutiny of the Ministry’s digital operations.