The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected allegations linking it to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, following a proposed United States bill that could impose sanctions on certain Nigerian individuals and groups.
The proposed legislation by US lawmakers seeks visa bans and asset freezes on individuals or entities accused of severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Those listed include Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); MACBAN; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as Fulani ethnic nomad militias.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, MACBAN national president Baba Ngelzarma said the association rejects any attempt to link it with terrorism or criminal activity.
“We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” he said.
Ngelzarma noted that MACBAN was founded in 1986 and operates legally with national, state, and local structures. He added that governments at various levels recognise the association as a stakeholder in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation.
“Our members contribute significantly to Nigeria’s protein supply and rural economy,” he said.
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Association says pastoralists are victims of insecurity
Ngelzarma argued that pastoralist communities themselves have suffered from insecurity, including attacks, cattle rustling, displacement, and killings.
“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.
He warned that sanctioning legitimate organisations could disrupt trade, damage livelihoods, and deepen the marginalisation of pastoral communities.
Calls for diplomatic engagement with US lawmakers
MACBAN urged Nigeria’s senate committees on foreign affairs and national security to intervene and correct what it described as a misleading characterisation.
The association also called for diplomatic engagement between Nigerian authorities and the US Congress to ensure counterterrorism efforts rely on verified information.
“We request that this matter be elevated within bilateral security dialogues to ensure counterterrorism cooperation is not premised on false equivalences,” Ngelzarma said.
He then added that external narratives should not undermine Nigeria’s security framework or disregard domestic legal processes.
