NCPC suspended pilgrimage to Israel in the middle of the ongoing Middle East crisis

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has officially suspended all pilgrims to Israel, quoting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran as a reason for preventive measures.

This announcement was made on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, through a statement issued in Abuja. The statement was signed by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC.

Overcoming speculation and new media reports that show that Nigerian pilgrims are currently in Israel, Bishop Adegbite firmly rejects the claim. He clarified that there were no Nigerian Christian pilgrims in Israel today, because the Commission 2024 pilgrimage training to Israel and Jordan was completed in March 2025.

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“Considering the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran, which increased on June 13, there was no Christian pilgrimage that would occur in Israel until the crisis was resolved. The commission strictly monitored the situation,” he said.

NCPC, which is a legal entity mandated to coordinate Christian pilgrimage from Nigeria to Israel and other sacred goals, emphasizes that the safety and security of pilgrims remains a top priority.

Because the situation in the Middle East remains changing, the commission assures Nigerians that he will continue to evaluate developments and make decisions that ensure the welfare of all pilgrims intended.