Instagram ends support for end-to-end encrypted direct messages
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Instagram has officially ceased support for end-to-end encrypted direct messages as of Friday, May 8, 2026. The platform announced this change on its Help page, informing users that encrypted messaging would no longer be available. Users with chats affected by this update will receive instructions on how to download any messages or media they wish to retain, and some may need to update their app to access this download feature. End-to-end encryption is a privacy feature designed to ensure that only the sender and recipient can access messages or calls, preventing third parties, including the platform owner, from viewing conversations. Instagram explained that encrypted chats used special security keys stored on users' devices, ensuring that only devices with these keys could unlock messages. This protection also applied to voice and video calls, meaning even Meta could not access these communications. However, users could still share encrypted content through reporting features or by forwarding messages outside the chat. This announcement has sparked online discussions regarding digital privacy and data security. Meta Platforms, Instagram's parent company, has not yet provided further details on why the feature was discontinued.
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Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nation activist, stated on Monday that his advocacy for improved security in the South-West is not aimed at any specific ethnic group. Instead, he said it targets criminal elements involved in abduction, killings, and banditry. Igboho's spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, issued a statement emphasizing the need for Nigerians, regardless of their religious, political, or ethnic backgrounds, to cooperate with the government and security agencies to combat crime. This statement followed a call from the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria CFPN for President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution Adeyemo over alleged inflammatory remarks concerning Fulani communities in Oyo. Igboho dismissed the CFPN's concerns as "baseless, misplaced priority and distortion of facts," reiterating that his focus is on protecting lives and preserving peace, security, and justice. He stressed that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations. Igboho commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, the Director-General of the Department of State Service, and other security agency heads in combating crime in the South-West. He also urged those calling for his caution to instead support stronger security measures against criminal networks.
The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre PAC has criticized comments made by Fred Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, regarding Nigeria's security situation. Agbedi had urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 general elections and focus on tackling insecurity and economic hardship. PAC described Agbedi's remarks as politically motivated and unhelpful, stating that while concerns about insecurity are valid, political leaders should avoid turning national security into a partisan issue. In a statement, PAC President Itodo Vincent accused Agbedi of politicizing a sensitive national concern, arguing that Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement. PAC highlighted that Nigeria's security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, predate the current administration and require sustained cooperation among all stakeholders. The organization called Agbedi's remarks and demands inappropriate, especially his suggestion that the President should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months, deeming it reckless. PAC alleged that Agbedi's intervention appeared driven by political considerations for the 2027 elections rather than genuine concern for resolving the security crisis. The group stressed that security should not be a platform for political contestation and urged leaders to support measures for public safety and economic stability. PAC reaffirmed its support for the Federal G
Must ReadProtesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, have barricaded the Iwo Road area in Ibadan, Oyo State, to demand an end to insecurity in Nigeria and the release of 39 abducted schoolchildren and teachers. The protest, which began around 10 am, is a continuation of actions initiated by the human rights group since the abductions in the Orire Local Government Area in May. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Movement, stated that protests will continue until all abducted victims are freed, criticizing government officials for their perceived inaction while 46 students and their teachers remain in captivity. Sanyaolu emphasized the demand for freedom for all captives across Nigeria and urged state and federal governments to act, warning of continued mass action if their demands are not met.