The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has expressed its approval of the recent report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), emphasizing its dedication to peace and rejection of all violent acts within Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, MACBAN welcomed the report, which was released on May 8, 2026. The association particularly praised the report for making a clear distinction between criminal elements and the millions of peaceful Fulani individuals living across the country.
MACBAN reiterated its status as a legitimate organization representing pastoralists, with a focus on fostering peace, national unity, and protecting lives and property. The group condemned attacks on communities and places of worship, stressing that criminal activities should not be attributed to any specific ethnic or religious group.
“Assaults on citizens during religious ceremonies or celebrations are unacceptable and go against human values and the laws of Nigeria,” the statement read.
The association further argued that criminal gangs operating in certain regions do not represent ordinary Fulani citizens. It pointed out that many Fulani herders themselves have been victims of cattle rustling, kidnappings, and violent attacks.
MACBAN pledged to continue collaborating with security agencies and traditional rulers to identify and apprehend criminals hiding in rural communities and forest areas. The group noted that its state and zonal branches have been urged to enhance information sharing with authorities to support security operations.
The association also cautioned against ethnic profiling and the blanket stigmatization of herders, warning that such actions could deepen divisions and undermine efforts toward peaceful coexistence. It called on politicians, media organizations, and local security groups to avoid narratives that could inflame ethnic tensions, especially as political activities ramp up ahead of the 2027 elections.