The clarification comes after reports that two suspects in Kogi State were found with MACBAN identity cards.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied any involvement in the recent arrest of suspected bandits in Kwara State and the neutralisation of others in Kogi State.
In a statement issued by Baba Othman Ngelzarma, President of MACBAN, the association clarified that it is not a security outfit and does not participate in armed operations or sponsor criminal activity.
The statement read, "MACBAN wishes to state unequivocally that the Association has no involvement whatsoever in banditry, armed groups, or any illegal activity, and did not authorise, sponsor, or participate in any security operation in Kwara State or elsewhere.
"MACBAN is not a security outfit and does not deploy or mobilise members for armed operations. Any individuals arrested may have acted solely in their personal capacities, and such actions do not represent nor bind the Association in any form."
The clarification comes after reports that two suspects in Kogi State were found with MACBAN identity cards.
The association condemned the misuse of its name by criminals, warning that possession of its documents does not equate to endorsement or membership.
"MACBAN condemns such acts in the strongest terms and reiterates that possession of any document bearing the Association's name does not imply authorisation, endorsement, or membership in good standing,” Ngelzarma said.
"As a lawful and nationally recognised body, MACBAN remains committed to peaceful livestock production, conflict resolution, and collaboration with government and security agencies in lawful, transparent, and non-violent ways.”
MACBAN reiterated that its core mandate is to support cattle breeders regardless of faith or tribe, enhance livestock productivity, provide access to education, grazing land, veterinary services, and credit facilities, and mediate in conflicts between farmers and herders for peaceful coexistence.
The association also urged the media and public to avoid spreading unverified reports that could fuel misinformation, public distrust, and profiling.
“MACBAN cautions against reckless and unverified reporting that fuels misinformation, profiling, and public distrust, and urges the media to uphold professional ethics and verify facts before publication,” the association said.
"The public is advised to disregard the false narrative linking MACBAN to the Kwara State arrests and Kogi State neutralisation. The Association remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, legality, and national unity.”
SaharaReporters previously reported that two suspected kidnappers reportedly carrying MACBAN identity cards had been neutralised by Nigerian Navy personnel during a security operation along the Inele/Inabe Road in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the incident occurred late on Tuesday night during a routine patrol by naval operatives deployed to the area following repeated complaints of abductions and armed robbery along the axis.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted by naval personnel while allegedly attempting to carry out a kidnapping operation.
The assailants were said to have engaged the operatives in a gun battle, during which they were fatally injured.
Photographs obtained by SaharaReporters show the deceased suspects dressed in what appeared to be military-style camouflage uniforms.
Also recovered from them were identity cards bearing the name and logo of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
Security sources stressed that investigations were ongoing to determine the authenticity of the ID cards and the full extent of the suspects’ activities, including whether they were part of a larger criminal network operating within Kogi State and neighbouring areas.