- He maintained that the figures contained in the report should not be used to define the wider Fulani population
- MACBAN said it remains firmly opposed to terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, regardless of who is involved
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected allegations that the Fulani ethnic group is responsible for the activities of thousands of armed militants and bandits operating across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the association was responding to a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, which estimated that around 30,000 armed Fulani militants were active in various parts of Nigeria and linked them to attacks affecting religious freedom.
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In a statement issued on Friday, MACBAN President Baba Ngelzarma argued that it was unfair to associate millions of peaceful Fulani citizens with the actions of criminal groups.
He maintained that the figures contained in the report should not be used to define the wider Fulani population, stressing that the vast majority of Fulani people are law-abiding Nigerians.
According to the association, many pastoralist communities have themselves suffered from insecurity, including cattle theft, kidnappings, attacks and other forms of violence carried out by criminal elements.
MACBAN said it remains firmly opposed to terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, regardless of who is involved, and insisted that individuals found culpable should be held accountable under the law.
The group emphasised that it would not defend or protect anyone engaged in criminal activities and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies in efforts to improve safety across the country.
As part of those efforts, the association said it had encouraged its state and regional branches to strengthen communication and intelligence-sharing with security operatives and traditional institutions.
It explained that closer collaboration would help identify criminal networks operating within remote communities and forest areas often used as hideouts.
The association warned against ethnic profiling, arguing that assigning criminal activities to an entire ethnic group could fuel division and complicate ongoing security operations.
MACBAN further urged Nigerians to focus on addressing criminality without resorting to stereotypes that could undermine national unity.
The organisation also called for broader reforms within the livestock sector, including support for ranching and other modern practices, which it believes could reduce recurring conflicts associated with grazing activities.
According to the association, lasting peace will require a combination of security measures, dialogue, economic reforms and policies that address the root causes of violence in affected communities.
