Insecurity: MFM suspends vigils, limits services to 8pm nationwide
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has suspended vigils and limited all church services to conclude by 8:00 p.m. nationwide due to rising security concerns.
- The directive, issued via an internal memo, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of church members amidst prevailing security challenges in Nigeria.
- This precautionary measure will remain in effect until further review by the church's leadership, reflecting broader safety adaptations by various organizations in response to insecurity.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has implemented new directives across all its branches nationwide, mandating the conclusion of all church programs by 8:00 p.m. and suspending vigils and overnight meetings indefinitely.
This decision stems from escalating security concerns throughout Nigeria. An internal memo, dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration at the international headquarters in Lagos, Temitope A. Olawale, outlines the new protocols. The church stated that these measures are precautionary and mandatory, designed to safeguard the lives and well-being of its members in light of the current security realities.
Under the revised guidelines, all services, meetings, and other church activities must end by 8:00 p.m. Vigils and overnight prayer programs are suspended, though they may be converted into evening prayer sessions if concluded by the stipulated time. The directive has been circulated to various leadership levels within the church for immediate implementation.
The MFM's move reflects a broader trend of religious organizations, schools, and businesses adopting enhanced safety measures in response to persistent security threats. Reports indicate that terrorists and criminal groups have increasingly targeted religious gatherings and places of worship, prompting widespread concern among worshippers and necessitating such protective actions. The church leadership will conduct further reviews to determine when these restrictions can be lifted.
All MFM ministers, groups and departments are to comply with this directive strictly.
Originally published by Premium Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.