The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has dismissed its inclusion in a proposed United States list of religious freedom violators in the country.
US lawmakers recently suggested visa restrictions and asset seizures targeting former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, citing alleged breaches of religious freedom.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, the association’s National President, Baba Ngelzarma, rejected the claims, describing them as baseless and stressing that the group is not linked to terrorism.
Ngelzarma said the association had previously engaged extensively with the US Embassy and members of the US Congress to address similar allegations, providing both verbal explanations and documented evidence to clear its name.
According to him, the Nigerian government is well aware of Miyetti Allah’s operations and legal standing, noting that the group has never participated in or claimed responsibility for any terrorist activities.
He explained that the association, which was registered over four decades ago, represents cattle breeders across different religious and ethnic backgrounds and does not protect criminal elements.
Ngelzarma expressed concern that the group continues to be associated with terrorism despite its long-standing engagement with international organisations, including humanitarian and interfaith bodies, aimed at clarifying its peaceful role.
On the proposed sanctions, he argued that Miyetti Allah does not merit such measures, insisting the association is a lawful body operating under Nigerian law.
He also called on the Federal Government to step in diplomatically, urging authorities to engage the US government and correct what he described as misunderstandings about Nigeria’s security challenges.
This reaction follows reports that the United States has deployed 200 troops to Nigeria to support the training of Nigerian forces in counter-terrorism efforts.
