Nigeria TV Info 

Presidency Warns Against Forest Prayer Meetings in Kwara and Kogi

The Presidency has issued a strong warning against the growing trend of organising large prayer meetings in remote forest areas across parts of North-Central Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State and Kogi State, citing rising security risks and intelligence concerns.

According to official security briefings, some of these gatherings have been linked to unsafe terrain exploitation, bandit infiltration risks, and difficulties in emergency response coordination. Authorities stressed that while religious freedom is fully respected, organisers must prioritise safety, accessibility, and proper notification of security agencies before any large outdoor spiritual assembly.

The warning comes amid heightened security operations in forest corridors where armed groups have previously exploited isolated locations. The government emphasised that unregulated mass gatherings in forests could unintentionally expose worshippers to danger and complicate ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

The Presidency of Nigeria urged religious leaders to adopt safer designated venues such as towns, worship centres, and approved open spaces, while maintaining collaboration with security agencies for crowd protection.

Officials also called on state governments in Kwara and Kogi to intensify monitoring and community sensitisation to prevent avoidable security breaches linked to such gatherings.