The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the worsening security situation in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, during a press briefing in Lagos shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned to the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise.
Adegbite explained that although the 2025 pilgrimage, which commenced on December 29, 2025, was successfully concluded without any incident, recent military developments in Israel and across the Middle East have made further travel unsafe.
According to him, over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were airlifted to the Holy Land during the exercise, with the Commission deploying a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 525 the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage operations in Nigeria. The inaugural flight had departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Despite the smooth completion of the main pilgrimage, Adegbite said the declaration of a state of emergency by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings necessitated the suspension of all pilgrimages by both the Commission and private operators.
“In view of the current security situation and for the safety of Nigerian pilgrims, all trips to Israel are hereby put on hold until the situation normalises,” he stated.
He stressed that the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens remain the Commission’s top priority, noted that the suspension would remain in force until there is clear assurance of stability in the region.
The NCPC boss also cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining national security and diplomatic relations.
Adegbite expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage exercises. He also acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, toward the success of the 2025 pilgrimage.
The suspension came amid escalating military exchanges between Iran and Israel, which reportedly began on February 28, 2026, raising concerns over regional instability and humanitarian consequences.
Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East, reiterating that while pilgrimage is a significant spiritual obligation for many Nigerians, national interest and citizens’ safety abroad will always take precedence.
