AfriPulse
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, has suspended vigils and other overnight church programmes across its branches nationwide, citing growing security concerns.
The directive, which took immediate effect, was contained in an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, and signed by Temitope A. Olawale, the ministry’s Director of Administration for the International Headquarters and Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, all church services, meetings, programmes and activities must end on or before 8:00 p.m. until further notice.
The instruction was issued to Principal Regional Overseers, Senior Regional Overseers, Mega Regional Overseers, Zonal Pastors, Branch Pastors and other leaders of the ministry, who were directed to ensure full compliance throughout the church’s nationwide structure.
Overnight Programmes Suspended
The circular ordered the suspension of vigils, overnight prayer meetings and similar late-night gatherings in all branches.
Where such programmes are deemed necessary, church leaders were instructed to convert them into evening prayer meetings ending no later than 8:00 p.m.
The ministry said the decision was intended to protect worshippers, church workers and other stakeholders amid security challenges affecting different parts of the country.
According to the circular, the directive will remain in force pending further review by the church’s leadership.
Security Concerns Follow National Prayer Efforts
The decision comes days after Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, led a special prayer session over Nigeria’s worsening security situation during the church’s Manna Water Service on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
As previously reported by The Trent, Olukoya urged worshippers to pray for peace, justice and protection for citizens affected by violence, kidnappings and attacks across the country.
His message formed part of a broader appeal by religious organisations for divine intervention and stronger action to address insecurity.
The same week, the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also announced special prayers over the country’s security situation.
Christian leaders in Oyo State gathered to pray for the release of abducted teachers and students.
Evangelism Campaign Held Days Earlier
The suspension also follows MFM’s World Evangelism Day outreach on Sunday, May 31, 2026, which mobilised members across more than 120,000 branches worldwide for coordinated evangelism activities.
The Trent reported that the exercise saw church members preach in public spaces, distribute gospel literature and provide humanitarian support in communities across several countries.
Pastor Olufemi Odelabi, Assembly Pastor of MFM Lagos Region 1, Igbo Efon, Lekki, pictured on the streets during the evangelism exercise on Sunday, May 31, 2026. | MFM Photo
In Lagos, members of MFM Lagos Region 1 distributed more than 500 bags of rice to vulnerable residents in the Lekki area while conducting evangelism and prayer outreach programmes.
Church leaders said the initiative reflected the ministry’s commitment to evangelism and community engagement through programmes such as its Explosive Evangelism Initiative, hospital outreach, prison ministry and rural missions.
Religious Institutions Adjust Security Measures
MFM’s decision places it among a growing number of organisations reviewing operational procedures in response to security concerns in parts of Nigeria.
The ministry stressed that the restrictions were not intended to curtail worship activities but to prioritise the safety and well-being of members.
Mega Regional Overseers were instructed to immediately communicate the directive to all regions, zones, branches and departments under their supervision to ensure effective implementation.
The circular stated that the measures would remain in effect until further notice.
Source: TheTrentOnline | Read the Full Story…
