US terror, banditry allegation against us, damaging – Miyetti Allah

A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has declared that the linking of the association with terrorism, banditry and mass violence by the United States was damaging to the good reputation they’ve gained over the years.

Mr Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the National President of the association, stated this on Sunday while addressing journalists in reaction to discussions surrounding a proposed United States bill, H.R. 7457 — the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 — currently before the U.S. Congress.

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He said, in as much as the group recognised the sovereign right of the United States to debate on religious freedom and fundamental human rights across the the world, portraying MACBAN as a violent and criminal group was false.

According to him, MACBAN was a legally recognised group under the Nigerian law having been registered in 1986 as a livestock development, pastoral welfare and conflict mediation, adding that they have officers at the Federal, States and Local Government Councils across the country.

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Labelling the group as a terror and banditry organisation, they expressed concerns, could trigger economic losses, disrupt trade and further marginalise pastoral communities that play a major role in Nigeria’s livestock sector and rural economy.

Reiterating its objectives, MACBAN said its activities focus on improving pastoral welfare, promoting modern livestock practices, fostering peaceful coexistence with host communities and supporting security agencies in conflict prevention.

Ngelzarma stressed that the association has never supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or cattle rustling, adding that no court in Nigeria or abroad has indicted MACBAN as an organisation involved in terrorist activities. He argued that it would be unjust to attribute the actions of criminal individuals to a registered association.

The group also said pastoralists have suffered heavily from insecurity, citing attacks by armed groups and bandits that have led to displacement, cattle rustling and the killing of leaders. It claimed that at least eight of its state leaders were killed by criminal elements in 2025.

According to MACBAN, it has collaborated with security agencies through intelligence sharing, mediation efforts and participation in technical committees on grazing reforms and livestock identification systems.

The association called on the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and National Security to adopt a resolution clarifying the legislature’s position on what it described as misleading international narratives. It also urged the National Assembly to engage U.S. lawmakers through parliamentary diplomacy.

MACBAN further appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, to initiate diplomatic engagement with American authorities to present evidence of its lawful status and compliance with Nigerian laws.

While cautioning against generalised profiling of communities, the association urged local and international media to avoid sensational reporting that could inflame tensions.

Reaffirming its commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence, MACBAN said accountability must remain evidence-based and warned against international actions that, in its view, could undermine legitimate Nigerian institutions.

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