BREAKING: Nigerian Govt suspends pilgrimage to Israel amid Middle East crisis

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East.

The announcement was made in Lagos by NCPC Executive Secretary Stephen Adegbite during a press briefing shortly after 500 pilgrims returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise.

The pilgrimage, which began on December 29, 2025, with flights departing from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, successfully airlifted over 4,000 Nigerian Christians to the Holy Land without incident. The Commission deployed a Boeing 777-300 with 525 seats—the largest aircraft ever used for a Nigerian Christian pilgrimage.

Adegbite cited recent military developments in Israel and the wider Middle East as the reason for suspending 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 urged Nigerians to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

Adegbite also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume for their support, which ensured the success of the 2025 pilgrimage exercise.

The NCPC boss urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent a humanitarian crisis.