The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed allegations linking it to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
The group reacted to a proposed bill by lawmakers in the United States which seeks to impose sanctions on “individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria. The proposed sanctions include visa restrictions and asset seizures.
Among those listed are Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor 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 briefing on Sunday, MACBAN National President, Baba Ngelzarma, said the association recognises the sovereign authority of the US to deliberate on matters of religious freedom and human rights. He, however, expressed concern over attempts to associate the body with terrorism.
“We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” he said.
Ngelzarma stated that MACBAN was founded in 1986 and operates as a legally registered corporate organisation under Nigerian law. He added that the association has maintained open operations for more than four decades, with structures at national, state, and local levels. Its executives, he said, are elected every four years.
“We are recognised by federal and state governments as stakeholders in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation,” he said.
“Our members contribute significantly to Nigeria’s protein supply and rural economy.”
He warned that placing legitimate organisations on international blacklists could trigger economic setbacks, disrupt trade activities, and deepen the marginalisation of vulnerable groups.
Ngelzarma also argued that pastoralists have suffered heavily from insecurity. He said criminal groups have attacked settlements, stolen cattle, displaced households, and assassinated community 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.
He called on the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and on National Security and Intelligence to adopt a resolution that would correct what he described as a wrong characterisation. He also urged lawmakers to activate parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress.
“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.”
