Abuja, Nigeria — A diplomatic storm has erupted following the April 28, 2025 meeting between the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). Critics accuse the U.S. envoy of engaging with a group many Nigerians blame for widespread violence, especially against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The protest, led by the International Coalition Against Christian Genocide in Nigeria (ICAC-GEN), is now gaining traction across political, religious, and civil society platforms. In a detailed letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ICAC-GEN alleges that Ambassador Mills’ engagement with MACBAN amounts to “a diplomatic endorsement of Islamic Fulani jihadists.”
Accusations of Terror Links and Christian Persecution
The letter, signed by Dr. Tony Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe, claims that MACBAN’s armed factions, including Fulani herdsmen, bandits, and splinter jihadist groups like Lakurawa, are responsible for over 100 Christian deaths in Plateau State in March and April 2025 alone. It lists 51 Christian victims by name, allegedly massacred in Zikke town, Bassa Local Government Area.
“Ambassador Mills is telling us that the lives of 51 Christians matter less than Fulani cows,” the letter laments, accusing the ambassador of ignoring war crimes and prioritizing livestock welfare over human life.
Miyetti Allah Defends Meeting
In response, MACBAN insists the meeting was centered on peace-building and national cohesion. Spokesperson Baba Usman argued that MACBAN is a lawful cultural and economic body representing pastoralists, not terrorists. “We discussed mutual security concerns, especially the loss of over 4 million cattle due to rising insecurity,” he said.
The U.S. Embassy clarified that the meeting was part of Ambassador Mills’ routine stakeholder engagements to understand diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
Middle Belt and Civil Groups React
However, civil groups remain unconvinced.
Middle Belt Forum (MBF): President Dr. Bitrus Pogu called the meeting “a betrayal” of Middle Belt communities who have suffered years of land grabs, forced displacement, and religiously targeted killings allegedly carried out by herders linked to MACBAN.
MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra): Described the meeting as “an affront” and “a possible signal of foreign interference in ethnic cleansing.”
The National Patriots: ‘Keep America Out of Nigeria’s Affairs’
The controversy deepened with a sharp statement from The National Patriots, a constitutional watchdog group, warning that Ambassador Mills’ meeting “violates Nigeria’s sovereignty” and contravenes international diplomatic conventions that prohibit external powers from interfering in domestic security without an invitation from the host nation.
“The U.S. ambassador has no mandate from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior, or National Security Adviser to interfere in our internal conflicts,” their statement reads. “The Nigerian Army, with British assistance, is handling counter-insurgency operations. U.S. intervention is unsolicited and diplomatically inappropriate.”
The group warned that such actions risk undermining Nigeria’s independence at a time when Pan-Africanism and sovereignty consciousness are rising across the continent.
A 2025 National Patriots Survey cited in the statement claims that 95% of Nigerians reject U.S. intervention in domestic affairs.
Historical Perspective: U.S. Interventions That Went Wrong
The National Patriots argue that America’s track record of foreign intervention raises red flags:
Libya (2011): U.S.-backed NATO strikes helped remove Muammar Gaddafi, but left the country in chaos, overrun by militias and slave markets.
Iraq (2003): The invasion toppled Saddam Hussein but created a vacuum that birthed ISIS and cost over 500,000 lives.
Afghanistan (2001–2021): A 20-year war ended with the Taliban’s return to power, despite trillions of dollars in U.S. military spending.
Somalia (1993–1994): U.S. peacekeeping mission failed, culminating in the deadly “Black Hawk Down” incident.
Vietnam (1955–1975): America’s longest war at the time ended in retreat, with millions dead and the region devastated.
“These precedents show a disturbing pattern: wherever the U.S. steps in, instability follows,” the group warns.
Analysis: Diplomatic Miscalculation or Misinterpretation?
Ambassador Mills’ intentions may have been rooted in conflict resolution, but in a nation scarred by religious and ethnic strife, perceptions matter deeply. The optics of meeting a group so heavily linked—rightly or wrongly—to Christian-targeted violence without parallel engagement with victims’ communities or Christian leadership appears lopsided.
While engagement is a valid diplomatic tool, exclusivity breeds suspicion. In a hyper-polarized climate, such missteps can derail fragile trust and ignite populist backlash.
Conclusion: Sovereignty and Sensitivity in the Age of Global Power Play
As Nigeria confronts its multifaceted insecurity—from jihadist insurgencies to farmer-herder clashes—foreign partners must tread carefully. Respect for sovereignty, balanced diplomacy, and culturally informed engagement are non-negotiable.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has yet to officially comment on the controversy. But growing local criticism suggests that the U.S. may need to recalibrate its diplomatic strategy if it wishes to maintain credibility and trust in Africa’s largest democracy.
For HeadlineNews.News – Investigative Desk
All rights reserved. May 2, 2025
” Ambassador or Agitator? U.S. Envoy Faces Fire Over Fulani Talks”. It is a breach of diplomatic protocol, the US Ambassador remains a guest in Nigeria and should not meddle in internal sensitive matters. This is the arrogance of the USA rearing its ugly head in Nigeria and it must be nipped in the bud. Nigerian Government should warn Mills or reject his posting. -Ambassador of a Foreign Country to Nigeria.
” Diplomatic Misfire: U.S. Ambassador’s Meeting With Miyetti Allah Sparks National Outrage”. FG needs to comment on this controversy or this unauthorised bold intervention may lead to other steps by the US.
– Headlinenews.news Editorial Board.
“Christian Genocide or Pastoral Dialogue? Nigeria Reacts to U.S. Involvement” The points raised in this report are profound and require consideration. I agree with the National Patriots. – Legal Luminary.
” Terror Diplomacy? Ambassador Mills Accused of Endorsing Fulani Militants” Educative & informative report. This requires consideration. Elder Statesman.( Nigeria).
” Fulani Talks Ignite Backlash: The Diplomatic Fallout of Ambassador Mills’ Outreach” This write up is on point. I commend Headlinenews.news team. I agree with the position of the National Patriots. – Nigerian Governor
” Nigeria’s Sovereignty Under Scrutiny: U.S. Engagement Sparks Debate. Interesting article. I appreciate this perspective. – Distinguished Senator.
” Between Dialogue and Diplomacy: The Controversy Around U.S. Ambassador’s MACBAN meeting is an objective piece with a good analysis. We have a few lessons to learn from it” Thank you. – Member House of Representatives.( Nigeria).
“Nigeria to U.S.: Stay Out of Our Internal Affairs” – National Patriots Warn
‘Africa Can Solve Its Own Problems’: Rising Pushback Against Foreign Interference” – UK Member of Parliament.
“U.S. Influence Rejected: 95% of Nigerians Oppose Intervention in New Survey” – Dr. Imran Khazaly, The National Patriots.
“Christian Lives Matter: Protest Letter Condemns U.S. Meeting With Alleged Fulani Jihadists” – Activist, Christian Organisation.
” Silence on Slaughter, Focus on Cattle? U.S. Diplomatic Priorities Questioned in Nigeria” – Retired Nigerian Ambassador.
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