JUST IN: Miyetti Allah reacts to US Terror Allegations, Points Robust Warning
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Affiliation of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed allegations linking the group to terrorism and mass violence, insisting that such claims are unfounded and damaging to its repute.
Nationwide President of the affiliation, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, acknowledged this on Sunday whereas addressing journalists in response to discussions surrounding a proposed United States invoice, H.R. 7457 — the Nigeria Spiritual Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 — at the moment earlier than the U.S. Congress.
Ngelzarma mentioned MACBAN respects the sovereign proper of america to debate points associated to spiritual freedom and human rights however expressed concern over narratives that allegedly painting the affiliation as a violent organisation.
He maintained that MACBAN is a legally registered physique established in 1986 below Nigerian legislation and has operated overtly for many years with elected nationwide, state and native management buildings. In keeping with him, the affiliation is recognised by each federal and state governments as a stakeholder in livestock improvement, pastoral welfare and battle mediation.
The group warned that any try to blacklist or stigmatise reputable organisations might set off {economic} losses, disrupt commerce and additional marginalise pastoral communities that play a serious position in Nigeria’s livestock sector and rural economic system.
Reiterating its targets, MACBAN mentioned its actions give attention to bettering pastoral welfare, selling trendy livestock practices, fostering peaceable coexistence with host communities and supporting safety businesses in battle prevention.
Ngelzarma careworn that the affiliation has by no means supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or cattle rustling, including that no court docket in Nigeria or overseas has indicted MACBAN as an organisation concerned in terrorist actions. He argued that it will be unjust to attribute the actions of legal people to a registered affiliation.
The group additionally mentioned pastoralists have suffered closely from insecurity, citing assaults by armed {groups} and bandits which have led to displacement, cattle rustling and the killing of leaders. It claimed that at the very least eight of its state leaders have been killed by legal components in 2025.
In keeping with MACBAN, it has collaborated with safety businesses by intelligence sharing, mediation efforts and participation in technical committees on grazing reforms and livestock identification techniques.
The affiliation referred to as on the Senate Committees on International Affairs and Nationwide Safety to undertake a decision clarifying the legislature’s place on what it described as deceptive worldwide narratives. It additionally urged the Nationwide Meeting to have interaction U.S. lawmakers by parliamentary diplomacy.
MACBAN additional appealed to the Minister of International Affairs, alongside the Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser, to provoke diplomatic engagement with American authorities to current proof of its lawful standing and compliance with Nigerian legal guidelines.
Whereas cautioning in opposition to generalised profiling of communities, the affiliation urged native and worldwide media to keep away from sensational reporting that might inflame tensions.
Reaffirming its dedication to nationwide unity and peaceable coexistence, MACBAN mentioned accountability should stay evidence-based and warned in opposition to worldwide actions that, in its view, might undermine reputable Nigerian establishments.