In an era marked by terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats, churches across Nigeria are increasingly being urged to strengthen safety measures without compromising their welcoming and spiritual character.

Security consultant and risk management professional, Dr. (Amb.) Victoria O. Ekhomu, made the call during a lecture titled, “Effective Policing of Churches for Safer Worship,” with the theme, “Protecting the House of God – Building Safe, Secure and Resilient Churches in an Era of Terrorism and Insecurity.”

Ekhomu, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transworld Security, described the Church as a sanctuary of hope, peace, healing and worship, but noted that the country’s changing security environment had made places of worship vulnerable to violence and criminal activities.

According to her, security should not be viewed as a lack of faith but as an important act of stewardship. She stressed the need for churches to combine prayer with preparation, faith with vigilance and worship with wisdom.

Drawing inspiration from Nehemiah 4:9, Ekhomu said believers must remain prayerful while taking practical steps to protect lives and property. She noted that churches often attract security risks because of their large gatherings, predictable worship schedules, open access and limited security arrangements.

The security expert advocated a layered security architecture comprising outer, middle and inner protective rings. She said churches should strengthen perimeter fencing, gate security, lighting, surveillance, visitor management and vehicle screening, while also improving parking security, crowd monitoring and access control.

Within church buildings, she recommended clearly marked emergency exits, functional public address systems, first-aid facilities, fire extinguishers and discreetly positioned security personnel.

Ekhomu also urged church leaders to conduct regular security risk assessments covering physical infrastructure, human resources and church activities such as worship services, vigils, crusades, weddings and funerals.

She emphasised the importance of training clergy, stewards, ushers, youth volunteers and security personnel to identify suspicious behaviour, manage crowds, communicate effectively and respond to emergencies.

The lecture highlighted the need for churches to develop emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, fire safety plans, medical response arrangements and clear communication channels.

She further called for stronger child-protection measures, including secure registration and check-in procedures, restricted access to children’s areas and safeguarding policies for church workers.

For the Diocese of Lagos West, Ekhomu recommended annual security assessments, the establishment of parish security committees, regular training, functional CCTV systems, standard operating procedures and emergency drills at least twice yearly.

She also encouraged closer collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, emergency responders, community leaders and reputable private security providers.

Ekhomu concluded that security is a shared responsibility and an essential ministry of protection. She said churches could remain welcoming places of worship while building a culture in which every member is encouraged to observe, report and respond responsibly to potential threats.

“Faith and preparedness are complementary, not contradictory,” she said, urging worshippers to remain vigilant while trusting God for protection.