The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has disclosed that its members lost more than 200,000 cattle and at least 50 people to cattle rustling, banditry, communal clashes and other forms of insecurity between January and September 2026.
The association made the disclosure on Sunday during a press conference in Kaduna addressed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa, spokesman, Ibrahim Bayero Zango, and other officials.
MACBAN said the losses had created severe economic difficulties for pastoralist families across the state, with some households reportedly losing their entire means of livelihood.
“From January to this September, over 200,000 cows have been lost,” the association said, adding that none of the animals had been recovered as of the time of the briefing.
It also disclosed that about 50 members had been killed during the period, attributing the deaths to communal clashes, alleged attacks by farmers and killings by bandits during cattle-rustling operations.
“The killings are into two. Some are communal clashes, some are attacks by farmers, some are being killed by bandits in the process of rustling their cows.
“Roughly, we can say we lost over 50 people from January to today,” MACBAN said.
The association identified Kachia, Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Igabi, Jama’a, Kaura, Sanga, Jaba, Kudan, Makarfi, Lere, Zangon-Kataf and Kauru as areas where cattle rustling and insecurity have significantly affected livestock breeders.
MACBAN stressed that cattle are the main source of livelihood for many pastoralist families, warning that losing entire herds could have consequences that extend far beyond the immediate financial value of the animals.
“For many cattle breeders, cattle are not only commercial assets. They represent means of sustainable survival to many generations.
“The loss of a herd of cattle can therefore push an entire community into severe economic hardship,” it said.
The group called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to treat cattle rustling not only as a security issue but also as an economic threat that could deepen poverty among affected communities.
It also expressed concern about activities at the recently opened Rijana livestock market in Kachia Local Government Area, located about 48 kilometres along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
MACBAN said it was concerned by reports and allegations that livestock acquired through criminal means could be entering the market.
The association, however, clarified that it was not accusing all traders, livestock owners or other participants in the market of criminal involvement.
Instead, it called for a thorough investigation and stronger regulation to prevent the market from becoming a transit point or outlet for stolen livestock and criminal networks.
MACBAN advocated proper identification and documentation of livestock, verification of traders and buyers where necessary, and closer cooperation between market authorities, livestock associations and security agencies.
It said anyone found involved in cattle rustling, trafficking in stolen livestock or other criminal activities should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The association also called for intelligence-led security operations in forests and other areas identified as cattle-rustling hotspots. It urged authorities to increase security presence along major livestock routes and in vulnerable rural communities.
It further called for an effective system for recovering and returning stolen livestock to their legitimate owners whenever the animals are intercepted.
“There should be an effective mechanism through which victims can report stolen livestock and provide evidence of ownership, including identifying marks and other available traditional methods and documentation,” it said.
MACBAN also proposed establishing a standing or ad hoc livestock-loss and victims’ assessment committee to document and verify the number of animals lost, families affected and lives lost to cattle rustling, banditry and related insecurity.
It called for government intervention, including possible compensation for genuinely verified victims, to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods.
Despite its concerns, the association commended the administration of Governor Uba Sani for what it described as sustained efforts to promote peace and security in Kaduna State since 2023.
It specifically acknowledged the activities of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the provision and rehabilitation of rural roads connecting farming and livestock-producing communities, and the strengthening and reorganisation of the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Agency.
MACBAN also praised the government’s wider interventions in agriculture and livestock development.
The association called for stronger security cooperation at the local government level, improved intelligence gathering and community-based information sharing involving security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
It urged the state government to continue dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists, while expressing its readiness to work with government, farmers’ organisations, traditional institutions and security agencies to find lasting solutions to insecurity and recurring conflicts.
MACBAN said it condemned cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, killings and all forms of criminality, insisting that those responsible should be identified and prosecuted.
“At the same time, innocent livestock owners and law-abiding pastoral families should not be collectively profiled because of the actions of criminals,” it said.
The association urged its members to remain law-abiding and cooperate with constituted authorities while supporting peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.
It said the Kaduna State chapter remained committed to “peace, lawful livestock production and breeding, economic development and peaceful coexistence among all communities in Kaduna State.”
Source: MACBAN
