The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reported alarming figures regarding the impact of banditry on cattle breeders in Kaduna State. Between January and September 2026, the association stated that it lost over 200,000 cattle and more than 50 members to violent attacks by bandits.

At a press conference held in Kaduna, the state chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji AbdulHamid Musa, highlighted the dire situation facing pastoralists in various local government areas, including Kachia, Chikun, and Kagarko. He emphasized that cattle rustling has emerged as a significant threat to the livelihoods of thousands of herders, pushing many families into economic hardship and forcing some to relocate in search of safety.

Musa called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating cattle rustling and banditry. He urged the authorities to enhance security along cattle routes and grazing areas, as well as in vulnerable rural communities. Furthermore, he stressed the need for a systematic approach to recover rustled livestock and return them to their rightful owners when found.

During the press conference, Musa stated, "From January to date, we lost 200,000 cattle and over 50 members to banditry across the state." He also appealed for the verification of victims of these attacks, advocating for support to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods and restore economic activities in their communities.

In light of the newly opened Rijana livestock market in Kachia Local Government Area, Musa expressed concerns about the potential for the market to be misused by livestock traders. While he clarified that MACBAN does not accuse the traders or livestock owners of criminal activities, he called for stronger regulations to prevent the market from becoming a hub for stolen animals. He urged for proper identification and documentation of livestock brought to the market, as well as verification of traders and buyers.

Musa condemned all forms of criminality, including cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping, regardless of the ethnic or religious backgrounds of those involved. He emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and community engagement by security agencies, assuring that MACBAN would continue to cooperate with the government and security institutions to dismantle criminal networks threatening the safety and livelihoods of cattle breeders in the region.