The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has suspended all night vigils and overnight prayer meetings across its branches nationwide due to growing security concerns in Nigeria. The directive was issued in an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, signed by the Director of Administration of MFM International Headquarters and Nigeria, Temitope A. Olawale.
New Measures Take Immediate Effect
The new measures take immediate effect and apply to all branches, regions, zones, departments, and ministries under the church nationwide. Under the directive, all church programmes, services, meetings, and activities must now end no later than 8:00 p.m. until further notice. The church also announced the indefinite suspension of overnight vigils, prayer meetings, and similar programmes as a precautionary measure in light of the country's security situation.
Alternative Arrangements for Vigils
According to the circular, branches that consider vigils necessary may convert them into evening prayer programmes, provided they conclude by 8:00 p.m. MFM stated that the decision was taken solely to protect worshippers and church workers amid rising security challenges across the country.
The church emphasised that the directive was not intended to disrupt worship activities but to safeguard lives and ensure members can attend services safely. The directives are purely precautionary and aimed at safeguarding the lives and well-being of our members in the face of the current security situation in the country, the circular stated.
Compliance and Communication
The church instructed Principal Regional Overseers, Senior Regional Overseers, Mega Regional Overseers, Zonal Pastors, Branch Pastors, and other church leaders to ensure strict compliance with the new guidelines. Mega Regional Overseers were also directed to communicate the information to all regions, zones, branches, and relevant departments under their supervision for immediate implementation.
Copies of the circular were sent to the General Overseer, Assistant General Overseers, the Administrative Task Force, and several church departments, including Women on Fire, Tent Makers Ministries, and the Youth Ministry.
Context of Rising Insecurity
The decision comes amid increasing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, including incidents of kidnappings, attacks on communities, and threats to public gatherings. Religious organisations and event organisers have increasingly adopted precautionary measures to protect participants and reduce exposure to security risks.
Founded in 1989 by Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, MFM is one of Nigeria's largest Pentecostal churches, with branches across the country and in several other nations. The church said the directive will remain in force until further review by its leadership as it continues to monitor the security situation nationwide.
