Last batch of Nigerian pilgrims returns safely from Israel amid regional tensions

2026-03-03 - 19:07

Olayinka LATONA LAGOS – The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has successfully concluded the 2025 Main Pilgrimage, with the final batch of over 500 pilgrims arriving safely in Nigeria early Tuesday morning. The pilgrims landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 4:30 a.m., bringing to a close a journey that saw more than 4,000 Nigerians travel to religious sites in Israel and Jordan. Their return coincides with rising regional tensions following coordinated U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, which led Israel to declare a state of emergency. Speaking to journalists, NCPC Executive Secretary Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite confirmed the safe arrival of the pilgrims. “This morning’s arrival marks the completion of the NCPC 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise. All pilgrims in this final batch returned safely and without incident,” Adegbite said. The 2025 pilgrimage also set a new benchmark for Nigerian aviation, with the deployment of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft—the first time such a plane, with a seating capacity of 525, was used to transport Nigerian pilgrims. Acknowledging the security challenges, Bishop Adegbite said the NCPC has suspended all future pilgrimages to Israel until the situation stabilizes. “The safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims is our priority. All pilgrimages, including those by private operators, are put on hold until it is safe to travel,” he said. Bishop Adegbite thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, as well as the contributions of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. As the pilgrims reunite with their families, the NCPC urged Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and stability in the Middle East.