The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel following rising security tensions in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while addressing journalists shortly after 500 pilgrims returned to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage.
The 2025 pilgrimage exercise commenced on December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully airlifted to the Holy Land without any recorded incident.
Adegbite noted that the Commission deployed a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 525 for the operation, describing it as the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria.
However, he explained that recent military developments in Israel and the broader Middle East have necessitated the suspension of further pilgrimage activities.
“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 normalizes,” he said.
He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.
Adegbite also cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could heighten tensions linked to the crisis.
According to him, the suspension will remain in place until international travel to Israel is considered safe.
“The federal government places a premium on peace and security. We therefore advise Nigerians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national security or diplomatic relations,” he added.
This comes as war between Iran and Israel-United States leaves the Middle East in flames in the past four days.
