MACBAN Dismisses Terror Links, Seeks Senate’s Intervention Over US Sanctions Bill
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling, describing allegations linking the association to violent activities as false and damaging.
MACBAN’s National President, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, made the clarification on Sunday in Abuja during a press conference addressing concerns over the proposed “H.R. 7457 – Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” currently before the United States Congress.
The bill, introduced in the US House of Representatives by Reps. Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, and Bill Huizenga, recommends visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities accused of severe religious freedom violations. Among those listed in the bill are MACBAN and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Reacting to the development, Ngelzarma stated that no court, either in Nigeria or abroad, had ever convicted or indicted MACBAN for terrorism or criminality.
“While we acknowledge the sovereign right of the United States to deliberate on issues of religious freedom and human rights, we are deeply concerned by narratives linking MACBAN with terrorism,” he said. “We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association.”
He explained that MACBAN, established in 1986, is a legally registered corporate entity under Nigerian law, with national, state, and local structures and democratically elected executives serving four-year terms.
“For over four decades, we have operated openly and are recognised by federal and state governments as stakeholders in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation. Our members contribute significantly to Nigeria’s protein supply and rural economy,” he added.
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Ngelzarma warned that blacklisting legitimate organisations could result in economic losses, trade disruptions, and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities dependent on livestock production.
He also stressed that pastoralists have been victims of insecurity, citing attacks by armed groups who rustled cattle, displaced families, and assassinated community leaders.
“In 2025 alone, at least eight of our state leaders were killed by criminal elements. These tragic incidents demonstrate that we are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators,” he said.
The MACBAN president called on the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and on National Security and Intelligence to pass a resolution correcting what he described as an erroneous characterisation of the association. He further urged the activation of parliamentary diplomatic channels to facilitate constructive engagement with the US Congress.
“MACBAN calls on the President of the Senate and the National Assembly to intervene legislatively to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian institutions,” he stated.
According to him, failure to address the issue could harm Nigeria’s international image, encourage sanctions-based targeting, and weaken public confidence in lawful institutions.
He also appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to initiate urgent diplomatic engagement with relevant US authorities to ensure that bilateral counterterrorism cooperation is not undermined by what he termed misleading narratives.
“Nigeria’s security architecture must not be compromised by external narratives that disregard domestic judicial processes and the lawful status of institutions,” Ngelzarma said.
He urged both Nigerian and international media to exercise restraint and avoid sensational or stereotype-driven reporting, noting that complex security challenges require nuanced and responsible coverage.
“MACBAN remains committed to national unity, constitutional order, peaceful coexistence, livestock modernisation, and cooperation with security agencies,” he affirmed.
By PRNigeria
