The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) firmly denied any ties to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling during a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday. The association emphasized that it has never supported any form of violence in Nigeria.
Baba Ngelzarma, the National President, made these statements while discussing the 'H.R. 7457 – Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026' set for deliberation by the United States Congress. He highlighted that neither Nigerian courts nor any international courts have ever found MACBAN guilty or implicated its members in acts of terrorism or crime.
"While we respect the United States' sovereignty to discuss issues related to religious freedom and human rights, we are alarmed by stories suggesting that MACBAN is linked with terrorism," Ngelzarma stated.
He described such insinuations as damaging, unfounded, and harmful to the image of a recognized national body.
Founded in 1986, MACBAN operates as a legally registered corporate entity under Nigerian law. Ngelzarma noted that the association has maintained transparent operations with democratically elected leadership across local, state, and national levels every four years.
He explained that MACBAN has been acknowledged by both federal and state governments as a pivotal player in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict resolution. Furthermore, he asserted that members of MACBAN contribute significantly to Nigeria's protein supply and the rural economy.
Ngelzarma cautioned that labeling legitimate organizations could lead to substantial economic repercussions, trade interruptions, and further marginalization of already vulnerable communities. He highlighted that pastoralists themselves have been victims of various forms of violence, including armed attacks, cattle rustling, forced displacements, and the assassination of community leaders.
He pointed out that in 2025, criminal elements killed at least eight of their state leaders, showcasing that they, too, are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators.
He called on the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to pass a resolution that amends the mischaracterizations against their association. Additionally, he urged for diplomatic channels within parliament to be activated to engage the US Congress positively.
"We urge the Senate President and the National Assembly to take legislative actions to protect the reputations of Nigerian institutions," he remarked.
Ngelzarma warned that failure to effectively counter this narrative could tarnish Nigeria's reputation, strengthen sanctions-based actions, and diminish public trust in its lawful institutions.
He called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to initiate immediate diplomatic discussions with pertinent US authorities.
"It is imperative that this issue receives attention in bilateral security conversations to avoid counterterrorism approaches based on misconceptions," he added.
Ngelzarma concluded by urging both Nigerian and international media to refrain from sensationalist or stereotype-driven reporting, stating that complex security challenges should be handled with a more nuanced approach rather than sweeping generalizations that affect entire communities.
"MACBAN is fully committed to fostering national unity, upholding constitutional authority, promoting peaceful coexistence, modernizing livestock management, and collaborating with security agencies," he affirmed.
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