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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced an immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel, citing the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, disclosed this on Tueday during a press briefing in Lagos, shortly after the final batch of pilgrims from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise returned to Nigeria.
Adegbite said the Federal Government, through the Commission, had successfully concluded the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan with the safe arrival of the last batch of over 500 pilgrims at about 4:30 a.m. on March 3, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to him, the exercise, which commenced on December 29, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, saw over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims airlifted to the Holy Land without incident.
He noted that the Commission deployed a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a 525 seating capacity for the operation, the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria.
However, the NCPC boss said recent military developments in the region have necessitated a temporary halt to 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.
Adegbite stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain non-negotiable, adding that the Commission is closely monitoring events in the region.
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He cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could further inflame tensions over the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, urging citizens to remain calm and law-abiding.
“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.
The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, describing it as unprecedented.
He also acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for their roles in ensuring the success of the pilgrimage exercise.
Adegbite called on Christians and all lovers of peace to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and stability across the Middle East to avert a humanitarian crisis.
He reiterated that the suspension of pilgrimage activities will remain in effect until international travel to Israel is considered safe.
