EHINOME OMOIKE
NIGERIA: The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, has directed all its branches across Nigeria to suspend overnight vigils and conclude every church programme by 8:00 pm until further notice. The church said the decision is a precautionary step due to rising security threats across the country.
The order was contained in an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, signed by Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration for the International Headquarters and Nigeria.
According to the circular, the measure is meant to safeguard members and church workers as insecurity worsens in several parts of Nigeria.
MFM leadership instructed all Principal Regional Overseers, Senior Regional Overseers, Mega Regional Overseers, Zonal Pastors, Branch Pastors, and other church leaders to ensure strict compliance.
*Closing Time*: All services, meetings, and church activities at every level must end no later than 8:00 pm.
Night Vigils Suspended: Vigils, overnight prayer meetings, and similar programmes are suspended across all branches until further notice.
Alternative Arrangement: Where necessary, vigils can be converted to evening prayer programmes, provided they end on or before 8:00 pm.
MFM explained that the directive is not meant to disrupt worship but to protect lives. The church noted that the security situation in the country informed the decision.
“The precautionary measures were introduced to safeguard members and church workers amid growing security concerns nationwide,” the circular stated.
The ministry stressed that worship would continue, only that activities would now be held within daylight and early evening hours.
Mega Regional Overseers, MROs, were directed to ensure the information gets to all regions, zones, branches, and relevant departments for immediate action.
The directive takes effect immediately and will remain in force pending further review by church leadership.
The move by MFM reflects a growing trend among Nigerian churches adjusting worship schedules due to kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks that often occur at night. Many congregations have shifted night programmes to earlier hours to reduce risks for members returning home late.
For MFM members, the change means popular midnight vigils and all-night prayers will pause for now, but Sunday services and daytime programmes will continue as normal.