New Sect springs up in North West, embarks on human trafficking

• ACHAD Life Mission International, a new sect in North West Nigeria, is linked to human trafficking and child separation activities
• The sect, headquartered in Kaduna, promotes African traditions and is recruiting members both locally and internationally

In North West Nigeria, a brand-new sect called “ACHAD Life Mission International” has started operations.

According to reports, the recently formed cult is connected to both child separation and people trafficking.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) reports that the leader of the group, who goes by the name “one Mr. Yokana,” resides in Jos, Plateau State, while the sect’s headquarters are in Kaduna.

Immigration officers were informed of the development by CIS A.A. Aridegbe, the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General of NIS, in a circular dated January 14, 2025.

All directorates, zones, training facilities, and commanders received the circular, which was captioned “Emergence of a new sect known as ACHAD Life Mission International.”

“Yes, we were given the intelligence,” the source said.

According to NIS, there is credible intelligence that ACHAD members are linked to human trafficking and child separation activities.

The circular read, “I am directed to inform that the intelligence gathered by the Service reveals the emergence of a new Sect called ACHAD life Mission International. The intelligence reports that the Sect have their Headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos, Plateau State. It further notes that the Sect neither believes in Islam nor Christianity, but preaches the restoration of the African tradition and support to humanity.

“The intelligence further reveals that the Sect has been canvassing for members both within and outside Nigeria, and is possibly involved in human trafficking and child separation.

“In light of the above, you are requested to stay vigilant, and report immediately any sign of the Sect, and where possible arrest and revert accordingly.

“This is for your information and strict compliance, please.”

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