Visa sanctions: Miyetti Allah rejects terrorism allegations, denies links to banditry, kidnapping

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has refuted claims linking it to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or cattle rustling.

The response follows a proposed bill by lawmakers in the United States seeking to impose sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on “individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations” in Nigeria.

Among those named for possible sanctions are Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano and national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP); MACBAN; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria”.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Baba Ngelzarma, MACBAN’s national president, said while the association recognises the sovereign right of the US to debate issues concerning religious freedom and human rights, it is troubled by narratives associating the body with terrorism.

“We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” NAN quoted him as saying.

He noted that MACBAN was founded in 1986 and remains a legally registered corporate organisation under Nigerian law.

According to him, the association has functioned openly for more than four decades with national, state, and local structures, and executives elected democratically every four years.

“We are recognised by federal and state governments as stakeholders in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation,” he said.

“Our members contribute significantly to Nigeria’s protein supply and rural economy.”

Ngelzarma warned that placing legitimate actors on international blacklists could result in economic setbacks, trade disruptions, and deeper marginalisation of vulnerable communities.

He maintained that pastoralists themselves have suffered from criminal attacks, including cattle rustling, displacement, and the killing of leaders.

“In 2025 alone, at least eight of our state leaders were killed by criminal elements. These tragedies show we are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators,” he said.

He called on the senate committees on foreign affairs and national security and intelligence to adopt a resolution correcting what he termed an inaccurate portrayal.

He also advocated the use of parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress constructively.

“We request that this matter be elevated within bilateral security dialogues to ensure counterterrorism cooperation is not premised on false equivalences,” he said.

“Nigeria’s security architecture must not be undermined by external narratives that disregard domestic judicial processes and lawful institutional status.”