The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has disclosed that cattle breeders in the state lost more than 200,000 cows to rustling, while over 50 members of the association were killed by bandits between January and September 2026.
The state chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji AbdulHamid Musa, made the disclosure on Sunday during a press conference in Kaduna, where he addressed the security challenges confronting cattle breeders and pastoralist communities across the state.
Musa identified cattle rustling as one of the major threats to the livelihoods of pastoralists, particularly in Kachia, Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Igabi, Jama’a, Kaura, Sanga, Jaba, Kudan, Makarfi, Zangon-Kataf and Kauru Local Government Areas.
According to him, the persistent attacks and livestock theft have subjected many affected families to severe economic hardship, while some have been forced to relocate to safer communities in search of security and means of livelihood.
“From January to date, we lost 200,000 cattle and over 50 members to banditry across the state,” Musa said.
He called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to combat cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, killings and other forms of criminality affecting rural communities.
The MACBAN chairman also appealed for improved security along cattle routes, grazing areas and vulnerable communities, stressing the need for stronger protection of pastoralists and their livestock.
He urged authorities to recover and return stolen cattle to their legitimate owners whenever such animals are found.
Musa further called for the establishment of a formal mechanism to document and assess losses suffered by cattle breeders as a result of rustling, banditry and other security challenges.
He also appealed to the government to identify victims of attacks and provide assistance to affected families to enable them rebuild their livelihoods and revive economic activities in communities impacted by insecurity.
MACBAN Calls for Tighter Regulation of Rijana Livestock Market
Speaking on the recently opened Rijana livestock market in Kachia Local Government Area, Musa expressed concern about the activities of livestock traders and called for stronger regulation to prevent the facility from becoming a channel for selling stolen animals.
He, however, clarified that MACBAN was not accusing traders or livestock owners operating at the market of criminal activities.
Rather, he advocated proper identification and documentation of all livestock brought to the market, alongside verification of traders and prospective buyers.
Musa said such measures would help authorities trace the ownership of animals and prevent rustled cattle from being introduced into the legitimate livestock market.
He reiterated MACBAN’s condemnation of cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, killings and all other forms of criminality, regardless of the ethnic, religious or occupational background of those involved.
The association also urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and community engagement to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating across Kaduna State.
Musa assured that MACBAN would continue to cooperate with government authorities and security agencies in efforts to improve security and protect the livelihoods of cattle breeders and other rural communities.
