Nigeria Police Force has cautioned church members against publicly disclosing personal achievements and sensitive information during testimonies, following the arrest of four suspects over an alleged plot to kidnap an Abuja-based female cleric, Prophetess Elizabeth.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team, Adamu Muazu, gave the warning on Thursday while parading the suspects, urging churches to strengthen security measures, particularly during evening services.
According to the police, the cleric was allegedly targeted after sharing a testimony about her achievements, with the planned abduction reportedly scheduled to take place after an evening church service.
Muazu advised worshippers to exercise caution when sharing personal information in public gatherings, noting that not everyone in a congregation could be assumed to have good intentions.
He warned that revealing personal successes and other sensitive details could expose worshippers to criminal elements who might exploit such information.
The police officer also urged church leaders, especially those operating in isolated locations, to prioritise the safety of their members by strengthening security arrangements around their premises.
He stressed the need for churches holding evening services to assess the security of access roads, entrances and exits, as well as ensure that worshippers could safely leave their premises after services.
Muazu expressed concern that some of the suspects allegedly involved in the planned abduction were closely connected to the intended victim and the church’s leadership.
He disclosed that one of the suspects was reportedly the cleric’s driver, while another was a bodyguard to the head pastor of the church.
The development, according to the police, highlights the need for increased vigilance even within trusted social and religious circles.
Muazu urged church authorities to provide security guidance to members, particularly those attending late-night services, and to take proactive steps to identify and address potential security risks.
He emphasised that churches located on the outskirts of towns and cities should pay special attention to the safety of worshippers, including their movement to and from church premises.
The police warning comes amid concerns that information disclosed during religious gatherings could be exploited by individuals with criminal intentions.
Worshippers were therefore advised to exercise discretion when sharing personal achievements and sensitive details, while church leaders were urged to adopt appropriate security measures to protect their congregations.
