The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has announced a suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel due to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, through the commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Celestine Toruka, said the decision was made in light of rising hostilities, which escalated on June 13.
Adegbite dismissed circulating reports suggesting Nigerian pilgrims are currently in Israel. He clarified that the Commission’s 2024 main pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan was concluded in March 2025, and no fresh trip is underway.
“As a precaution, no Christian pilgrimage to Israel will take place until the crisis is resolved. We are closely monitoring developments,” the statement said.
The NCPC is the government agency tasked with coordinating Christian pilgrimages from Nigeria to Israel and other holy sites.
The suspension comes as part of efforts to ensure the safety of intending pilgrims and avoid exposing Nigerians to any danger abroad due to regional instability.
