FG Suspends Pilgrimages to Israel Over Security Concerns

The Federal Government has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

The decision was announced on Tuesday in Abuja by Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC). The statement, signed by Celestine Toruka, the commission’s Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, said the suspension takes immediate effect.

Adegbite explained that recent developments in the region, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel, made it necessary to halt all pilgrimage activities. The suspension applies to programmes organised by both the commission and private pilgrimage operators.

According to the commission, the measure is intended to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims until conditions improve. The NCPC said it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

Despite the suspension, the commission confirmed that the 2025 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan was completed successfully. The final batch of pilgrims returned to Nigeria on March 3, arriving at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Adegbite urged Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East. He also expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, for their support of the commission’s activities.

He noted that five pilgrimage exercises have been conducted since he assumed office two years ago.