The Nigerian Army on Sunday said the military men seen at the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja were not there to provide security or harass protesters.
Army spokesperson Sagir Musa said the military is holding an inter-denominational service across the country today, and soldiers are expected to take part in the worship at the church.
The comments followed an enquiry about why soldiers were present at an ongoing demonstration against Biodun Fatoyinbo, COZA’s lead pastor now under fire for alleged rape.
At least four soldiers were seen carrying out cordon activities at the protest, which was organised and allegedly attended by women.
The women are demanding the immediate resignation of Mr Fatoyinbo from the church he established in the late 1990s.
The soldiers were providing security in addition to security operatives from the police, Civil Defence and the State Security Service.
The security agents’ presence was in addition to the church’s own security.
The Protesters told said the heavy security was an attempt at intimidation but said they would remain defiant.
Many people were turned back from entering the church before Sunday service commenced at 9:00 a.m., amid suspicion that non-members might storm the auditorium to embarrass Mr Fatoyinbo.