New Sect in North West Linked to Human Trafficking, Child Separation

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued a high alert to its officers.

According to a circular dated January 14, 2025, signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General of NIS, CIS A.A. Aridegbe, the sect’s headquarters is located in Kaduna, while its leader, identified simply as “Mr. Yokana,” resides in Jos, Plateau State.

The circular, titled “Emergence of a new sect known as ACHAD Life Mission International,” was distributed to all NIS directorates, zones, training institutions, and commands.

An immigration source confirmed the authenticity of the circular, stating, “Yes, we were given the intelligence.” The NIS has received credible intelligence that ACHAD members are engaged in human trafficking and child separation activities. Furthermore, the sect does not subscribe to Islam or Christianity but instead preaches the restoration of African tradition and support to humanity.

The intelligence also revealed that the sect has been actively recruiting members both within and outside Nigeria. In light of this development, the NIS has directed its officers to remain vigilant and report any signs of the sect’s activities immediately. The circular instructs officers to arrest and report any suspected sect members, stating, “This is for your information and strict compliance, please.”

When contacted, NIS spokesman Kenneth Udo confirmed the circular, saying, “It was issued by the service to alert officers.”