MACBAN denies terror links, seeks U.S. diplomatic intervention

2026-02-15 - 17:31

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, or cattle rustling, stressing that it has never condoned violent activity in the country. National President Alhaja Baba Ngelzarma made the statement during a news conference in Abuja on the proposed H.R. 7457 – Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 before the U.S. Congress. He said no court in Nigeria or abroad has ever convicted or indicted MACBAN for criminal or terrorist activity. “While we acknowledge the sovereign right of the United States to deliberate on religious freedom and human rights, we are 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,” Ngelzarma said. He explained that MACBAN, established in 1986, is legally registered under Nigerian law, operates democratically, and is recognised by federal and state governments for contributions to livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation. Highlighting the group’s own vulnerabilities, Ngelzarma noted that armed criminal groups have attacked pastoral communities, rustled cattle, and killed leaders. “In 2025 alone, at least eight of our state leaders were killed. We are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators,” he said. Ngelzarma called on Nigeria’s National Assembly and diplomatic authorities to engage the U.S. Congress to correct “erroneous characterisations” and warned that international blacklisting could harm Nigeria’s economy, trade, and the welfare of vulnerable communities. He urged Nigerian and international media to avoid stereotype-driven reporting and reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to national unity, constitutional order, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation with security agencies. NAN