MACBAN Rejects US Herdsmen Crime Linkage
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has responded to a United States report on violent groups in Nigeria, calling for caution in linking peaceful herders with armed criminal gangs.
The group said insecurity remains a national concern but should not be used to label all Fulani pastoralists.
The reaction was issued on Friday by MACBAN President Baba Othman Ngelzarma after reviewing a May 2026 update from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
The association said law-abiding Fulani citizens should not be associated with bandit networks operating in some parts of the country.
MACBAN condemned all forms of violence, including attacks on farmers, herders and places of worship.
It called for stronger cooperation with security agencies to address criminal activities and insisted that such groups do not represent pastoral communities.
The association also warned against ethnic profiling, saying it worsens divisions.
It supported reforms in the livestock sector and called for dialogue among farmers, herders and local leaders to promote peace and improve security across Nigeria.
