HumAngle, an investigative news platform, has alleged that its website suffered a suspected targeted cyberattack less than an hour after it published a major exposé on the late Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.
In a statement on Wednesday, the newsroom said the abrupt shutdown of its website was unlikely to be a coincidence, insisting that the timing strongly suggested an attempt to silence its work.
“HumAngle’s long-awaited exposé on Abubakar Shekau who led Boko Haram’s years of violence was published less than an hour ago. Soon after, our website suffered what we strongly believe is a deliberate attack and is currently inaccessible,” the platform said.
The organisation, known for its exclusive investigations into terrorism, military operations, human rights abuses and the humanitarian consequences of Nigeria’s conflicts, said the disruption further highlighted the risks confronting independent journalism in the country.
“This incident underscores the forces that fear independent journalism,” the statement read.
The newsroom said its technical team had commenced urgent efforts to restore access and enhance the platform’s security architecture.
Despite the setback, HumAngle pledged that it would not be intimidated.
“HumAngle remains unwavering in its commitment to fearless, meticulous reporting. We will be back online shortly,” it added.
The exposé reportedly provides new insights into Shekau’s years of violent leadership and the internal dynamics within Boko Haram prior to his death.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
