The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has concluded the 2025 Main Pilgrimage, with the final batch of over 500 pilgrims arriving safely in Nigeria early Tuesday morning.
The returnees touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 4:30 a.m., marking the end of an exercise that saw more than 4,000 Nigerians visit religious sites in Israel and Jordan. Their arrival comes amid heightened regional tensions following coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, which prompted Israeli authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Addressing journalists, NCPC Executive Secretary, Stephen Adegbite, confirmed that all pilgrims in the final batch returned without incident.
“This morning’s arrival marks the completion of the NCPC 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise. All pilgrims in this final batch returned safely,” he said.
The 2025 pilgrimage recorded a milestone in Nigeria’s aviation operations, with the deployment of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft featuring a seating capacity of 525. It was the first time such a wide-body aircraft was used for Nigerian Christian pilgrimage airlift.
In light of the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, Adegbite announced the suspension of further pilgrimages to Israel until conditions stabilise.
“The safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain our top priority. All pilgrimages, including those organised by private operators, are suspended until it is safe to resume travel,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to Bola Tinubu for his support of both Christian and Muslim pilgrimage activities. He also acknowledged the contributions of Oluremi Tinubu and George Akume toward the successful completion of the 2025 exercise.
As the pilgrims reunite with their families, the Commission called on Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and for stability across the Middle East to avert further escalation.
