Nigerian government have suspended all pilgrimages to Israel and the occupied West Bank with immediate effect due to security concerns linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) announced the decision, saying it was necessary to prioritise the “safety and comfort” of pilgrims.
The conflict intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf as the conflict continues to escalate.
Many countries in the region have closed their airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations and leaving passengers stranded.
Rev John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria told the media that about 600 Nigerian pilgrims in Israel and the West Bank had already been evacuated to Jordan and then returned home.
The suspension applies to both state-organised trips and those arranged by private tour operators. Officials said the ban will remain until the situation stabilises.
Thousands of Nigerian Christians travel annually to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, often with state support. The pilgrimages are considered spiritually significant, especially during Easter, which falls in a month.
Muslim pilgrims have also been affected. Many Nigerians planning to perform the Umrah in Mecca have been stranded due to cancelled flights. Unlike the Hajj, which has fixed dates, the Umrah can be performed year-round.
Alhaji Zaharaddeen Abubakar, stranded in Kano, said, “I wish to be there too but I can’t at the moment. I’m still hoping.”
Travel agent Alhaji Musa Rabi’u Muhammed added, “Some of our people had even boarded planes ready for take-off, but they had to be brought back down, and now they are at home.”
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