The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has strongly denied allegations linking it to terrorism, warning that a proposed bill in the United States Congress could strain diplomatic ties and negatively impact Nigeria’s livestock economy.
In a communiqué released on Monday and signed by its National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, the association expressed concern over H.R. 7457 — the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 currently under consideration by U.S. lawmakers.
MACBAN alleged that unnamed actors are pushing what it described as “false and injurious” narratives aimed at portraying the group as a terrorist organisation. The association maintained that it is a lawfully registered body and has never been convicted or indicted by any court in Nigeria or abroad for terrorism-related offences.
“While we respect the sovereign right of the United States to deliberate on issues concerning religious freedom and human rights, we categorically reject attempts to associate our organisation with terrorism or mass atrocities,” the statement read.
Founded in 1986, MACBAN said its members largely pastoralists contribute significantly to Nigeria’s livestock and animal protein supply. The group argued that herders themselves have been victims of banditry, cattle rustling, displacement, and targeted killings.
According to the association, at least eight of its state leaders were killed in 2025 by criminal elements operating in rural communities. It stressed that conflating the alleged actions of individuals with an entire registered association is “legally unjust and dangerously simplistic.”
Fearing potential international blacklisting or sanctions if the U.S. bill progresses, MACBAN appealed to Nigeria’s National Assembly for immediate intervention. The group specifically called on Senate committees overseeing foreign affairs and national security to pass a formal resolution affirming its legitimacy.
MACBAN also urged the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the broader legislature to act swiftly to safeguard what it described as the integrity of Nigerian institutions.
The statement further called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, to initiate diplomatic engagement with U.S. authorities to address what it termed “erroneous narratives.”
The association warned that failure to respond decisively could damage Nigeria’s international image, embolden sanctions against other local organisations, and undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to defend lawful institutions.
MACBAN concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, national unity, and cooperation with security agencies in tackling criminality. It also urged both Nigerian and international media outlets to adopt balanced and evidence-based reporting when covering complex security issues.
As of press time, there has been no official reaction from the Federal Government regarding MACBAN’s appeal.