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Boko Haram: Churches, Mosques Get Anti-Bombing Devices
The Nigerian Army, has donated vehicle-stoppers to churches and mosques as part of measures to protect places of worship against terrorist attacks.
Army Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj-Gen.Bitus Kwaji while handing over the devices to some leaders of churches and mosques, Thursday, in Abuja said that the gesture was part of army’s corporate social responsibility.
Kwaji explained that the vehicle-stopper was a unique device that could stop vehicles that come in contact with it from any direction or angle, saying, “the innovation is simple and effective’’.
“It has been discovered that most attacks by suicide bombers are carried out with vehicles loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS).
“This mode of operation is simple as a suicide bomber drives his vehicle straight into his target and explosion occurs.
“In order to disallow bombers from reaching their targets, this invention comes in handy as it forcefully stops any vehicle that comes in contact with it at whatever speed, ” he said.
Kwaji said that the device was simple to understand, adding that churches and mosques could decide to produce more.
Speaking on terrorist attack, Kwaji said that terrorists over the years had continued to attack places of worship in order to destabilise the nation.
He said that the unfolding security challenges “which is the Boko Haram terrorist menace’’ had continued to hinder the progress of the transformation agenda of the President as well as the development of the nation at large.
According to him, this has necessitated the Chief of Army Staff to charge all corps and services of the army to provide ways and means of curtailing the menace.
Kwaji said that the personnel took the charge by the army chief to heart by looking at various ways and means of curtailing insecurity in the country.
“I am reminding all that security is everybody’s business and the entire citizenry should join hands with the army in making the country safe for all to live, ” he added.
Maj-Gen. Richard Chioba, Army Director of Policy, said that the equipment had been tested in other countries and it worked.
Chioba said that the donation of the device by the army was in line with effort to ensure that lives and property of the citizens were protected.
Alhaji Ibrahim Jega, the Executive Secretary of the Abuja National Mosque Management, expressed joy at the development.
“ We are happy with what the military authorities are doing to beef up security in places of worship,’’ he said.
He added that it was an excellent and commendable effort to ensure the protection of lives and property in view of the current security challenges in all places of worship and gatherings.
Also, Rev. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo of the Methodist Diocese of Nyanya said that the gesture had indicated that the Federal Government and the Army were bothered by the situation.
Okonkwo said that from recent events, the situation had been given the military sleepless nights, adding that they were happy for the gesture shown by the army.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene