Iran-Israel War: FG Halts Christian Pilgrimage to Israel Over Escalating Tensions
- The Federal Government has temporarily halted Christian pilgrimages to Israel due to rising security concerns in the Middle East
- The decision affects both government-organised and privately arranged pilgrimage exercises until conditions improve
- Authorities say the move is precautionary, with assurances that completed pilgrimage activities ended safely
Legit.ng Journalist Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award winner, with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance, and accountability in Nigeria.
The federal government has ordered the immediate suspension of Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the worsening security situation in the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
The directive was announced on Tuesday by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).
Source: Facebook
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Stephen Adegbite, said the decision became necessary in view of recent developments in the region, including the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel.
The statement, signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, stressed that the commission remains committed to prioritising the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims at all times.
Those affected by the suspension
According to Adegbite, all pilgrimage activities to Israel have been placed on hold until further notice.
He added that the suspension also affects exercises being handled by private pilgrimage operators.
“The recent developments in the Middle East, including the imposition of a state of emergency in Israel, have led to the suspension of all pilgrimage exercises,” he stated.
He assured stakeholders that the commission is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as events unfold, while appreciating the understanding and cooperation of the media and relevant partners.
According to Daily Trust, Adegbite further called on Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East.
Despite the fresh suspension, the NCPC disclosed that it had successfully concluded the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan before the escalation of tensions.
He revealed that the final batch of Nigerian Christian pilgrims returned safely to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 3.
Source: Facebook
The government’s move comes as security concerns continue to mount in the region, prompting several countries to review travel advisories and suspend non-essential trips.
Christian pilgrimage: Tinubu warns against absconding
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a crucial message to Nigerian Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan.
Tinubu explained the reason the Nigerian Christian pilgrims should not consider absconding while on the spiritual journey
The President issued the warning during the launch of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s 2025 Delayed Easter Pilgrimage in Owerri, Imo state.
Tinubu warns Christians, flags off 2024 pilgrimage
Recall that President Tinubu flagged off the 2024 Christian pilgrimage to the holy lands of Israel and Jordan.
Tinubu implored the pilgrims to be of the best character and to remember Lagos and Nigeria in their prayers at the holy lands.
He warned them against tempting desires to flee the camp to become illegal immigrants, threatening stiff consequences for flouters.
Source: Legit.ng
