The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to ongoing security threats in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, made the announcement on Tuesday in Lagos during a press briefing, shortly after 500 pilgrims returned from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The pilgrimage, which began on December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, successfully airlifted over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land without any reported incidents. The NCPC deployed a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a 525-seat capacity, marking the largest aircraft ever used for a Nigerian Christian pilgrimage airlift.
However, Adegbite said recent military developments in the region have prompted the Commission to halt further pilgrimages.
“You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East. In view of the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings, the Commission has decided to put on hold all pilgrimages, both by the Commission and private operators, until the security situation normalises,” he said.
He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain a top priority and warned citizens against actions that could escalate tensions. The suspension will remain in effect until international travel to Israel is deemed safe.
“The Federal Government places premium on peace and security. We therefore advise Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national security or diplomatic relations,” Adegbite added.
The NCPC boss also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support of both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, as well as contributions from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, which facilitated the successful completion of the 2025 exercise.
Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to avert a potential humanitarian crisis.