Immigration begins passport portal upgrade 

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a system upgrade and maintenance of its passport portal for applicants within the country.

In a public notice issued on Sunday through its ‘X’ page, the NIS assured the public that other services, including passport applications for Nigerians abroad, remain fully operational during the maintenance period.

The service stated that its team is “working tirelessly” to complete the upgrade and restore full functionality to the portal within 72 hours.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” the statement read, adding that the upgrade is part of efforts to enhance service delivery.

The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to providing efficient and excellent services to Nigerians at home and abroad.

The NIS announcement comes after the recent warning of a new sect, which it said could be threatening the security of the country.

The service, in a circular dated January 14, 2025, and signed by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Comptroller General, Dr Adedotun Aridegbe, a Controller of Immigration Service (CIS), urged all its directorates, zones, training institutions, commands, and border formations to take note of the new sect.

According to the NIS, the sect has its headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos, adding that the sect might be involved in human trafficking and child separation.

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The statement partly read: “I am directed to inform you 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 has its 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 African tradition and support to humanity.”