The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), on Tuesday announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this in Lagos during a press briefing shortly after about 500 pilgrims arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise.
Adegbite explained that the 2025 pilgrimage exercise commenced on December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to him, over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully airlifted to the Holy Land during the exercise without any reported incident.
He disclosed 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 a Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria.
The NCPC boss described the 2025 exercise as smooth and successful, attributing it to effective coordination and government support.
Despite the successful completion of the main pilgrimage, Adegbite said recent military developments in Israel and the wider Middle East had compelled the Commission to suspend further trips.
“You are aware of the latest security developments in Israel and the wider Middle East,” he said.
“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 emphasised that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remained the Commission’s top priority, stressing that no further travel would be permitted until international travel to Israel is considered safe.
According to him, the suspension will remain in force until there is clear assurance of stability in the region.
Adegbite cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could escalate tensions arising from the crisis.
“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,” he added.
He noted that the Commission was closely monitoring developments and would issue further directives when the situation improves.
The NCPC Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage exercises.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, towards the successful completion of the 2025 pilgrimage.
Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to avert a humanitarian crisis.
He reiterated that while pilgrimage remains an important spiritual obligation for many Nigerians, national interest and the safety of citizens abroad would always take precedence.
