4,000 pilgrims return safely as Nigeria suspends further Israel trips

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the ongoing security crisis in the Middle East.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Stephen Adegbite, made this announcement in Lagos on Tuesday during a press briefing. The briefing took place shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned to Nigeria at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise.

The 2025 pilgrimage started on December 29, 2025, with the first flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. In total, over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully transported to the Holy Land without any problems.

According to Adegbite, the Commission used a Boeing 777-300 aircraft with 525 seats for the operation. He described it as the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria.

However, he said recent military actions and the state of emergency declared in Israel have made it unsafe to continue the pilgrimages. Because of this, the Commission has decided to suspend all trips to Israel, including those organised by private operators, until the security situation improves.

Adegbite said the safety and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims remain the government’s top priority. He added that the Commission is closely monitoring developments in the region.

He also advised Nigerians to avoid protests or actions that could increase tensions or affect Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.

The suspension will remain in place until international travel to Israel is considered safe again.

Adegbite thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. He also appreciated First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, for their roles in the successful completion of the 2025 pilgrimage.

Finally, he urged Christians and peace-loving Nigerians to pray for peace and stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent further crisis.