The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any links to criminal activity following reports that United States lawmakers are considering sanctions against the group.
National President of the Association, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, expressed it’s position in a press conference, describing the proposed action as shocking and unjustified.
Mr Ngelzarma said MACBAN is a peaceful, non-violent trade association established more than 40 years ago to protect the interests of cattle breeders across Nigeria, regardless of religion or ethnic background.
He rejected claims that the group supports criminality, saying it is not armed and has never taken responsibility for any violent act.
According to him, the association works closely with Nigerian security agencies to combat crime and promote peace, particularly in areas affected by farmer–herder conflicts. He added that several MACBAN leaders have lost their lives while cooperating with authorities.
Reports of possible US sanctions first emerged in November. Mr Ngelzarma said that MACBAN submitted a detailed report to the US ambassador in Nigeria, outlining the association’s activities and documenting cases where its members were victims of violence.
The submission, he said, included names, dates, locations and photographs, as well as records of the group’s engagement with government agencies and international partners.
He confirmed that the association received an acknowledgement from the US Embassy and later met with a visiting US delegation in Abuja, leading members to believe the matter was receiving serious consideration.
“We were surprised to see fresh reports suggesting sanctions,” he said. “We are not a criminal group.”
Mr Ngelzarma also called on Nigeria’s federal government to intervene, urging it to present MACBAN’s case to US authorities and protect its members from what he described as an existential threat.
Nigeria has faced years of deadly clashes between farmers and herders, especially in central regions, with armed groups exploiting local tensions. However, MACBAN insists it should not be held responsible for crimes committed by individuals outside its control.
