The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has recently raised an alarm concerning the emergence of a new sect known as ACHAD Life Mission International. This development has triggered widespread attention due to the group’s peculiar ideology, which is neither rooted in Islam nor Christianity. Instead, it champions the revival of African traditions. The Security agency issued this alert in a circular on January 14, 2025, emphasising the need for vigilance among its directorates, border formations, and related institutions.
Meanwhile, the circular noted the potential involvement of the group in human trafficking and child separation, raising concerns about its activities both within and beyond the country’s borders. With its headquarters situated in Kaduna and its leader, Mr. Yokana, residing in Jos, Plateau State, this terrorist has reportedly been actively recruiting members locally and internationally. These recruitment efforts and their controversial practices have heightened fears about their potential influence and impact on societal stability. Authorities are particularly alarmed about the group’s reported engagement in illicit activities, prompting directives for close monitoring and immediate reporting of any related developments.
Emergence of sectarian movements and their broader implications.
However, the emergence of sects is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader trend of unconventional movements challenging established social and religious norms. In Nigeria, the rise of such groups often intersects with issues of poverty, unemployment, and disillusionment with existing institutions. These movements offer a sense of identity and belonging, making them particularly attractive to marginalised individuals. Moreover, their unconventional beliefs and practices can also lead to tensions with mainstream society and authorities, further complicating efforts to address their activities.
Historically, Nigeria has experienced the challenges posed by radical and extremist groups, which often exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities to propagate their agendas. The activities of these groups can destabilise communities, disrupt societal cohesion, and pose significant security risks. This group mainly reported involvement in human trafficking and child separation, adding a new layer of urgency to the need for a comprehensive response. The government’s approach to tackling such challenges must be multifaceted, combining intelligence gathering, community engagement, and strict enforcement of legal frameworks.
Lessons from international approach to addressing sectarian movements.
Examining similar challenges in other countries offers valuable insights into effective strategies. Ethiopia, for instance, has faced its share of sectarian movements that diverge from mainstream religious practices, often fueled by socio-political unrest. These movements, while diverse in their origins and ideologies, have occasionally escalated into conflict, threatening the country’s fragile stability. The Ethiopian government has adopted a multifaceted approach to address these challenges, emphasising the importance of intelligence and surveillance, community engagement, and the application of robust legal frameworks.
Surveillance has proven to be a critical tool in identifying and monitoring sectarian activities, enabling authorities to preempt potential threats. In parallel, creating dialogue and engagement with communities has helped to bridge divides and address the root causes of disenfranchisement that often fuel these movements. Legal measures, meanwhile, have provided a structured approach to holding individuals and groups accountable for unlawful activities. By combining these strategies, Ethiopia has managed to contain the spread of sectarian movements, offering a potential roadmap for Nigeria to address similar issues.
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In addressing the challenges, Nigeria must develop a sustainable and context-specific strategy. This begins with strengthening intelligence capabilities to gather actionable insights into their activities, membership, and objectives. Collaboration among Security Agencies is essential to ensure a coordinated response that minimises gaps in enforcement and monitoring. At the same time, Community Engagement should be prioritised to foster trust and cooperation between authorities and local populations. Lastly, a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and international partners, is crucial to effectively countering the emergence of sectarian movements.