The second batch of Borno Christian pilgrims has departed for Amman, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the State of Israel in the late hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to perform their pilgrimage rites.
According to the organisers, the departure brings the total number of pilgrims representing Borno State in the ongoing pilgrimage exercise to 262, with 230 pilgrims already having completed their pilgrimage.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony for the second batch of pilgrims at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday night, the Director of Administration of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Okpanachi Abu, who led the delegation, charged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and to avoid anything that could tarnish the country’s image.
In his sermon, Abu described the journey as a spiritual exercise rather than a social outing.
“Let me remind you that the journey you are about to embark upon is a spiritual one. As you go on this journey, you will encounter God, and your lives will not remain the same. It is not a jamboree, but a sacred spiritual experience,” he said.
He further admonished the pilgrims to remain security-conscious and to strictly adhere to all instructions given to them.
“Be alert to security issues, and whenever instructions are given, please ensure you listen and comply. Let us remain good ambassadors of our country,” he added.
The pilgrims are expected to spend three nights in Jordan before proceeding to Israel to complete their 10-day pilgrimage programme.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Elder James Ndirmbita, urged the pilgrims to intensify prayers for the full restoration of peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria at large.
He commended the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage process and for its unwavering support to pilgrims from the state.
“I charge you all to pray for our leaders in Borno State and the country. Please remember our dear state in your daily prayers. Refrain from unnecessary movements and remain polite in your dealings with security personnel,” he advised.
It would be recalled that the Borno Christian pilgrims commenced the 2026 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan on January 10, 2026.
All pilgrims in the first batch returned safely to Nigeria on January 19, 2026.
