The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel and the broader Middle East region due to the sharp escalation of conflict and security risks across the area.
NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, made the announcement during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Bishop Adegbite stated: “In light of the ongoing military escalation, missile exchanges, drone strikes and threats to civilian infrastructure and holy sites in Israel and neighbouring countries, the commission has taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend every pilgrimage both those organised directly by NCPC and those by licensed private pilgrimage operators until security in Israel and the entire Middle East returns to normalcy.”
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He emphasised that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain the commission’s top priority. The suspension is indefinite and will be reviewed periodically based on security assessments from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser’s office, and international partners.
Last Batch of 2025 Pilgrims Safely Returned Bishop Adegbite also confirmed that the final batch of over 500 Nigerian Christian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel landed safely in Nigeria on Tuesday morning. All pilgrims have been reunited with their families.
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“The last group arrived without incident. We thank God for journey mercies and appreciate the cooperation of all relevant authorities that ensured their safe return,” he added.
The NCPC had earlier issued travel advisories and delayed departures, but the latest attacks on diplomatic and energy targets prompted the full suspension.
Christian pilgrimage operators in Nigeria have welcomed the move, with many issuing statements of support and advising intending pilgrims to defer plans until further notice.
The commission promised to communicate updates through official channels and urged pilgrims to remain calm while awaiting improved conditions.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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