The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a critical warning about the emergence of a new religious sect known as “ACHAD Life Mission International,” raising concerns about potential human trafficking and child separation activities. The sect, headquartered in Kaduna State with its leader, Mr. Yokana, residing in Jos, Plateau State, is reportedly attracting members both within Nigeria and internationally. This development has prompted the NIS to issue a circular urging heightened vigilance among its various commands, directorates, zones, and training institutions across the country. The circular, dated January 14, 2025, emphasizes the need for immediate reporting of any observed activities linked to the sect. This proactive measure underscores the NIS’s commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing potential threats posed by the group’s expansion.
The sect’s ideology, as reported by the NIS, presents a unique challenge. ACHAD Life Mission International reportedly rejects both Islam and Christianity, the two dominant religions in Nigeria, advocating instead for a return to traditional African practices and emphasizing support for humanity. This distinct theological stance further complicates the situation, potentially attracting individuals disenfranchised with established religious institutions. The NIS’s warning highlights the complex interplay between religious freedom, cultural identity, and potential security risks. The focus on “restoring African tradition” raises questions about the sect’s specific practices and how they might intersect with existing cultural norms and legal frameworks.
The potential for human trafficking and child separation linked to ACHAD Life Mission International poses a grave concern. Human trafficking is a global scourge, and Nigeria remains a vulnerable country both as a source and destination for trafficked persons. The exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, is a heinous crime that demands immediate action. The NIS’s proactive stance in alerting its various branches emphasizes the severity of the threat and the urgent need to monitor and investigate the sect’s activities to prevent such abuses. The allegation of child separation further intensifies the concern, raising questions about the sect’s methods of recruitment and indoctrination, and the potential impact on families and communities.
The NIS’s collaboration with other security agencies is crucial in addressing the potential threat posed by ACHAD Life Mission International. By sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts, these agencies can effectively monitor the sect’s activities, identify potential victims, and disrupt any criminal operations. This interagency cooperation is essential for a comprehensive and effective response to complex security challenges. The collaborative approach will enable a broader reach in information gathering, surveillance, and potential law enforcement actions, ensuring a more robust and effective response to the sect’s activities. This coordinated strategy will maximize resources and expertise, increasing the likelihood of successfully mitigating the risks posed by the group.
The emergence of ACHAD Life Mission International underscores the evolving landscape of religious and social movements in Nigeria and the importance of proactive security measures. The NIS’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the need for constant vigilance and effective intelligence gathering to preempt potential threats to national security. The situation also highlights the challenges posed by new and unorthodox groups that may exploit vulnerabilities within society. By focusing on the restoration of African tradition, the sect may appeal to individuals seeking alternative spiritual or cultural identities, requiring a nuanced approach to address the potential risks without infringing on religious freedoms.
The situation surrounding ACHAD Life Mission International necessitates a balanced approach that respects religious freedom while ensuring public safety and protecting vulnerable individuals. The NIS’s proactive warning represents a critical step in addressing this complex challenge. Moving forward, a comprehensive strategy involving continuous monitoring, thorough investigations, interagency collaboration, and community engagement will be essential to mitigate the potential risks posed by this emerging sect. This approach should also involve education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the potential dangers of human trafficking and child exploitation, empowering communities to recognize and report suspicious activities. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach will be crucial to safeguarding national security and protecting the well-being of all citizens.
