The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling.
The statement comes in response to a proposed bill by United States lawmakers seeking to impose sanctions—including visa bans and asset freezes—on “individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria. The list of targeted entities and individuals includes Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP); MACBAN; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.”
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Baba Ngelzarma, MACBAN national president, expressed concern over narratives linking the association with terrorism. “We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” NAN quoted him as saying. He emphasized that MACBAN has operated openly for over four decades, with national, state, and local structures and executives democratically elected every four years.
Established in 1986, MACBAN is a legally registered corporate entity under Nigerian law. “Federal and state governments recognise us as stakeholders in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation,” Ngelzarma said. “Our members contribute significantly to Nigeria’s protein supply and rural economy.”
He further warned that international blacklisting of legitimate actors could lead to economic losses, trade disruptions, and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities. “Pastoralists have themselves been victims of criminality. Armed groups have attacked communities, rustled cattle, displaced families, and assassinated leaders. In 2025 alone, at least eight of our state leaders were killed by criminal elements. These tragedies show we are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators,” he said.
Appealing to the Senate committees on foreign affairs, national security, and intelligence, Ngelzarma called for a resolution to correct what he described as an erroneous characterisation of MACBAN. He also urged the activation of parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress constructively.
“We request that this matter be elevated within bilateral security dialogues to ensure counterterrorism cooperation is not premised on false equivalences,” he said. “Nigeria’s security architecture must not be undermined by external narratives that disregard domestic judicial processes and lawful institutional status.”
