Nigeria suspends Israeli pilgrimages due to Middle East security crisis

Nigeria has suspended all Christian pilgrimages to Israel effective immediately, citing escalating security concerns in the region. The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) announced the halt following recent military developments in Israel and the wider Middle East, including a state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities and restrictions on public gatherings. Over 4,000 Nigerian pilgrims were airlifted to Israel in December 2025 without incident, using Nigeria's largest aircraft (Boeing 777-300) for the operation. The NCPC emphasized safety remains paramount and warned Nigerians against actions that could escalate tensions. Pilgrimage activities will resume only when international travel to Israel is deemed safe. President Tinubu's administration received credit for supporting both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/03/iran-war-nigerian-govt-suspends-pilgrimage-to-israel/