By Akiir Onak
The official X account (formerly Twitter) of the Tanzania Police Force was hacked on Wednesday morning, alarming followers with a series of unusual and unrelated posts.
In a statement, the police confirmed the breach and urged the public not to trust any posts from the account until further notice. They clarified that the content was not authored by the force and could be misleading or harmful.
The hackers changed the profile picture and posted messages in a foreign language, including content related to cryptocurrency and online trading—topics entirely unrelated to the police force. Several users reported the suspicious activity to X, while others unfollowed the account due to the strange posts.
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those behind the cyberattack. They suspect a group of cybercriminals—individuals who illegally access online platforms to steal data or spread false information. The police also confirmed they are working with cybersecurity experts to recover and secure the account.
“We urge members of the public to ignore the disinformation and avoid becoming channels for its distribution. Legal action will be taken against any individual found to be involved in creating, disseminating, or amplifying such misleading content,” the statement added.
Cybercrime is a growing concern in Tanzania and across the globe, as more people rely on the internet for business, education, and communication. This incident highlights the importance of securing official accounts with strong passwords and additional protective measures.
The Tanzania Police Force has promised to provide updates once the account is fully restored. They thanked the public for their patience and urged citizens to report any suspicious posts or activity online.
