The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling.
This is in reaction to a proposed bill by United States lawmakers to impose sanctions, including a visa ban and asset freezes, on “individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.
The entities and individuals listed for sanctions are Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP); MACBAN; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and those described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria”.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Baba Ngelzarma, MACBAN national president, said while the association acknowledges the sovereign right of the US to deliberate on religious freedom and human rights, it is concerned by narratives linking MACBAN 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 said MACBAN was established in 1986 and is a legally registered corporate entity under Nigerian law.
He said for over four decades, the association has operated openly with national, state, and local structures and executives democratically 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.”
Ngelzarma said international blacklisting of legitimate actors risked economic losses, trade disruption, and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities.
He said pastoralists had been victims of criminality, noting that armed groups had 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.
He appealed to the senate committees on foreign affairs and on national security and intelligence to pass a resolution correcting what he described as an erroneous characterisation.
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.”
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