US Report: ‘We Are Victims, Not Perpetrators’ – MACBAN Fires Back

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has dismissed allegations tying the Fulani ethnic group to widespread militancy and banditry across the country, warning against the dangers of collective blame while insisting that pastoralist communities are themselves primary victims of insecurity . The association was responding to a recent report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) , which claimed that about 30,000 armed Fulani militants operate in various parts of Nigeria and contribute significantly to violations of religious freedom. The report described the militants as some of the deadliest non-state actors responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria .

MACBAN National President, Baba Ngelzarma , described the report’s estimate as misleading and unrepresentative of the broader Fulani population in Nigeria. He stressed that criminal elements should not be used to define an entire ethnic group. According to him, the individuals referenced in the report “do not, and will never, represent the 14.5 million peaceful Fulani citizens” in the country . Ngelzarma maintained that many Fulani pastoralists are themselves victims of insecurity , citing incidents of cattle rustling, kidnappings, and retaliatory attacks. “As MACBAN has stated in several reports and statements, law-abiding pastoralists are themselves primary victims of these criminal syndicates, routinely suffering from cattle rustling, mass abductions and retaliatory violence,” the statement read . He noted that law-abiding members of the community often bear the brunt of the violence perpetrated by criminal groups.

The association reiterated that it would neither shield nor excuse anyone involved in criminal acts , affirming its commitment to supporting security agencies in tackling insecurity nationwide. “MACBAN will not shield, make excuses for, or tolerate any individual or group engaging in violent criminality,” the association stated . MACBAN also disclosed that it has directed its state and zonal branches to strengthen intelligence-sharing with security agencies and traditional rulers to help identify and eliminate criminal elements operating within rural and border communities. “We are actively directing our zonal and state branches to formalise and deepen closed-door intelligence-sharing channels with federal security forces and local traditional rulers. We pledge our full cooperation to help law enforcement detect, isolate, and flush out criminal elements using our forests and borderlands as cover,” the association added.

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The association further condemned terrorism, banditry, and killings across the country , regardless of those responsible, while urging Nigerians to avoid ethnic profiling when addressing security challenges. It also denounced assaults on places of worship, including churches and mosques, stating that attacks carried out during religious services and holidays violate both religious principles and Nigeria’s constitutional order . The group warned that generalising criminal activities to an entire ethnic group could heighten tensions and undermine efforts to restore peace. “Criminality has no religion, and it has no ethnicity,” the statement said .

This latest reaction follows earlier efforts by MACBAN to counter similar allegations. In November 2025, the association formally wrote to the United States Congress , through the American embassy in Abuja, seeking the removal of its name from a proposed sanctions list under US House Resolution 860 , which targeted entities accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria . The bill had listed MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” alongside globally sanctioned groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, the Taliban, and the Houthis . At a press conference then, Ngelzarma dismissed what he described as “misleading and incomplete assertions” contained in the resolution, insisting that MACBAN is a lawful socio-cultural and economic association , registered by the Federal Government in 1986, and not a militia or violent organisation . He noted that for over four decades, the association has operated openly with national, state, and local structures and executives democratically elected every four years. He cited partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Armed Forces, NSCDC, NIPSS, state peace-building agencies, traditional rulers, as well as international organisations, including USAID, Mercy Corps, Search for Common Ground, and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue .

Ngelzarma also highlighted the heavy losses suffered by pastoralists , stating that verified records between 2015 and 2025 show that over 18,600 pastoralists were killed, more than 1.29 million displaced, 87,543 houses destroyed, and over one million cattle rustled or killed in 17 states . He added that several of MACBAN’s state chairmen and executives were assassinated for cooperating with security agencies, stressing that these incidents underscore the community’s vulnerability rather than any involvement in violence. “These tragedies show we are victims of insecurity, not perpetrators,” he said . More recently, MACBAN has continued to report attacks on pastoralist communities. On Thursday, May 21, 2026 , nine pastoralists, including babies, children, and women, were killed during an armed attack on Ika Achelle village in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State . Attackers also burned homes and stole over 200 cattle during the raid. MACBAN’s Kogi State secretary, Suleiman Muhammed, condemned the killings as unacceptable and called for a full investigation .

Additionally, MACBAN called on the government and development partners to invest in reforms within the livestock sector , particularly the promotion of ranching , as a long-term solution to conflicts associated with open grazing. The association has previously expressed support for the creation of a Federal Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to holistically address issues across the entire livestock value chain, including production, processing, marketing, and security-related concerns . It added that achieving lasting peace would require a combination of justice, dialogue, enhanced security collaboration, and economic reforms targeting the root causes of violence.

US Report: ‘We Are Victims, Not Perpetrators’ – MACBAN Fires Back

Suspected Serial Killer, Female Accomplice Arrested in Cross River

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE – Security operatives have arrested a 40-year-old man identified as Akaninyene Eretus (also spelled Akaniyene Eretus) over allegations of multiple killings in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, with authorities uncovering several shallow graves containing decomposing bodies in a forest hideout . The suspect, an indigene of Obot Akara, was arrested after intelligence reports linked him to the disappearance of several residents in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community in Creek Town .

Operatives of the Nigerian Army and tactical special forces, accompanied by community youths and elders, traced the suspect to a remote hut he had allegedly constructed deep inside the Abanyama Forest . Sources said the suspect allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the arrival of security personnel. He reportedly ran into the hut in an effort to retrieve a weapon before trying to escape into the forest but was quickly surrounded, subdued, and arrested by the operatives .

During a search of the location, security personnel reportedly discovered eight shallow graves believed to contain remains of victims. The bodies were allegedly buried without their heads, while plantain crops had been planted over the graves in what investigators suspect was an attempt to conceal the killings and avoid detection over an extended period . Each grave contained up to five decomposing bodies, according to security sources.

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Investigators said the suspect later led security operatives to the burial sites after allegedly confessing during interrogation to killing about 30 people within the community who had previously been reported missing . The latest alleged killing, which reportedly exposed the operation, was said to have occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 .

According to reports, the suspect claimed a female accomplice assisted him in carrying out some of the attacks by luring unsuspecting residents to isolated areas and holding victims’ heads while he carried out the killings . The female accomplice has been identified as 35-year-old Miss Uduak Essien, who is currently in police custody alongside the primary suspect .

Residents reportedly became suspicious after hearing cries and sounds of struggle on the night of the latest incident . The development was later reported to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, by the councillor representing Creektown Ward 1, Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths, and community elders . The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward also reportedly joined efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest .

The incident has reportedly thrown the community into panic and mourning, with several families attempting to identify relatives who had earlier been declared missing . Community youths have since intensified bush-combing operations in surrounding areas in search of possible accomplices and other suspected hideouts linked to the crimes .

When contacted, the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Sunday Akata (also reported as ASP Sunday Eitokpah), confirmed the incident but stated that the matter remains under active investigation . “The incident is true and under active investigation. Further revelations will be made public as the probe progresses,” he said . The suspects, Akaninyene Eretus and Uduak Essien, are currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations continue . Police have also confirmed the recovery of a severed head and the remains of two victims in a related operation in the Ibonda, Creek Town area.

Suspected Serial Killer, Female Accomplice Arrested in Cross River

Security Operatives Recover Ransom Bag from Seriki Fulani’s Residence in Ogun

IJEBU ODE, OGUN STATE – A 67-year-old community leader and Fulani Seriki in Ijebu Ode has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command after investigators discovered a bag used to deliver ransom money inside his kitchen. The suspect, Abdullahi Muhammadu, who holds the title of Seriki Fulani of Ijebu Ode, has pleaded innocence but admitted under questioning that he knew one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, was a convicted kidnapper. He told police he thought his son had “turned a new leaf” after serving five years in prison for the same crime. The discovery has exposed what police describe as a family-linked kidnapping syndicate operating across multiple communities in the Ijebu area, including Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, and Okun Owa.

Operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, had been investigating a surge in abduction cases in the Ijebu Ode axis over the past several months. According to a police source, all evidence pointed to Bala Muhammadu, who had recently been released from a correctional centre after serving a five-year sentence for kidnapping. “After painstaking and intelligence-driven investigation, one of the bags which was used in the payment of the ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen,” the source said. The bag was found inside the kitchen of Abdullahi Muhammadu, a cattle rearer and father of 30 children from four wives, who has lived in Yorubaland for over 30 years.

Police said Bala and two of his brothers were tipped off by a sibling who spotted security operatives entering the community. The three suspects fled into nearby bush paths before officers could apprehend them. However, their father, the Seriki Fulani, was arrested on the spot. His eldest son, Bello Muhammadu, was also later arrested. “It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other, and we are on their trail,” the police source added. The source further revealed that kidnapping incidents surged in the Ijebu area shortly after Bala was released from prison.

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Speaking to journalists after his arrest, Abdullahi Muhammadu denied any personal involvement in kidnapping but made a stunning admission about his son. “I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment,” the Seriki Fulani said. “I thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping. I don’t know if any of my other sons are into kidnapping.” He added: “I didn’t want him to die when he came back from prison. He was looking very sick and pale. I wanted the best for him and other children. I took him to the hospital for treatment. I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”

Despite the incriminating evidence found in his kitchen, Muhammadu maintained his innocence. “My name is Muhammadu Abdulai. I am a cattle rearer and also a farmer. I have been in Yorubaland for more than thirty years now. I have four wives and thirty children in Yorubaland,” he said. “I was honoured with the title of Seriki of Fulani in Ijebu Ode by the immediate past Awujale of Ijebu Ode. I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life.”

Bello Muhammadu, the eldest son of the Seriki Fulani, was also arrested. He told police he was not at home during the operation but was called back from his farm by his father. “I am Bello Muhammadu. I am the eldest child of my father. I was not at home when the policemen came. I was in the farm when my father called me. He could not understand what the policemen were saying,” Bello said. “I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother, Bala, was arrested and taken to prison some years back. I don’t know anything about what he and any of my brothers are doing.” He added: “If my father had known that Bala had returned to the crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage anything like that.”

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the arrests and ongoing investigation in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi. Babaseyi praised the support of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime in the state. “The successful operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, leading to the neutralisation/arrest of the notorious suspect and recovery of incriminating exhibits, underscores the bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication of the operatives,” Babaseyi said. “Their resilience and intelligence-driven approach continue to frustrate criminal networks and reinforce public confidence in the Police.” The command assured residents that efforts are being intensified to dismantle all criminal syndicates operating in Ogun State and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

Security Operatives Recover Ransom Bag from Seriki Fulani’s Residence in Ogun