NCPC Halts Travel to Holy Land Indefinitely as Security Situation Worsens Following Iran Strikes

The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel citing the escalating security crisis in the Middle East following the outbreak of war between Iran and US-Israeli forces.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Stephen Adegbite, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lagos during a press briefing shortly after 500 pilgrims landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise.

Ejes Gist News reports that the suspension takes immediate effect and affects both the Commission’s planned pilgrimages and those organized by private operators.

Why the Suspension?

Adegbite cited recent military developments in the region as the primary reason for the suspension.

“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.”

The suspension comes as Israel remains on high alert following the US-Israeli military operation that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family, triggering threats of retaliation from Tehran.

Ejes Gist News gathered that the Commission acted proactively to prevent any Nigerian citizens from being caught in the crossfire as tensions continue to mount across the region.

2025 Pilgrimage Concluded Successfully

The Executive Secretary revealed that over 4,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims were successfully airlifted to the Holy Land during the 2025 exercise, which began on December 29, 2025, with the inaugural flight departing from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Key statistics from the 2025 pilgrimage:

Metric Details
Total pilgrims airlifted Over 4,000
Aircraft used Boeing 777-300
Seating capacity 525 (largest ever used for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria)
Duration December 29, 2025 – March 2026
Incidents reported None

Adegbite noted that the Boeing 777-300 aircraft with 525 seating capacity was the largest aircraft ever used for Christian pilgrimage airlift in Nigeria.

All 4,000+ pilgrims returned safely without any reported incidents, he confirmed.

Ejes Gist News learned that the successful completion of the 2025 exercise without any security breaches provided some relief to Commission officials, even as they now contend with the uncertainty created by the regional crisis.

Safety First

The NCPC boss emphasized that the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain paramount, noting that the Commission is closely monitoring the situation.

“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 cautioned Nigerians against engaging in protests or actions that could escalate tensions arising from the crisis.

How Long Will the Suspension Last?

According to Adegbite, the suspension of pilgrimage activities will remain in force until international travel to Israel is deemed safe.

This means no Nigerian Christian pilgrimages will be approved—whether by the Commission or private operators—until the security situation in the Middle East stabilizes.

Gratitude to Tinubu, First Lady

Adegbite expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.

He also acknowledged the contributions made by:

  • First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

  • Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume

He credited their support for the successful completion of the 2025 exercise without any security breaches or incidents.

Call for Prayers

Adegbite urged Christians and peace advocates to continue praying for stability in Jerusalem and across the Middle East to prevent a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

“We urge all Nigerians of faith to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the entire Middle East region. What is happening there affects the whole world, and we must not be indifferent.”

Context: The Iran-Israel Crisis

The suspension comes against the backdrop of:

  • US-Israeli military strikes on Iranian leadership targets

  • Death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the attacks

  • Confirmed death of Khamenei’s wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, from injuries sustained in the strike

  • State of emergency declared in Israel

  • Restrictions on public gatherings imposed by Israeli authorities

  • Threats of retaliation from Tehran

The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war that could engulf multiple countries and disrupt travel across the Middle East.

What This Means for Pilgrims

Question Answer
Can I still travel to Israel for pilgrimage? No. All pilgrimages are suspended indefinitely.
What about private pilgrimage operators? Also suspended. The ban covers both NCPC and private operators.
When will it resume? Only when international travel to Israel is deemed safe.
What about Muslims going to Saudi? This suspension currently applies only to Israel. Hajj operations are separate.
Were any pilgrims stranded? No. All 4,000+ pilgrims from the 2025 exercise have returned safely.

Key Takeaways

Element Detail
Announcement Immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel
Reason Security crisis following Iran-US/Israel war
2025 Pilgrims Over 4,000 returned safely
Aircraft Boeing 777-300 (largest ever used)
Duration Until situation normalizes
Authority Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC)

Ejes Gist News Nigeria will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and provide updates on when pilgrimage activities may resume.

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