The Kaduna State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has alleged that more than 200,000 cattle were lost to rustling and insecurity in the state between January and September 2026.
The association also claimed that over 50 of its members had been killed during the period, describing the losses as a serious threat to pastoralists’ livelihoods and the livestock economy.
MACBAN state chairman, Abdulhamid Musa, disclosed this at a briefing on the security and livelihood challenges facing cattle breeders in Kaduna.
Musa said some stolen cattle had recently been recovered in different parts of the country, including Lagos, where association members were working to return them to their owners.
“From January to date, over 200,000 cows have been lost,” he said.
He attributed the reported deaths of members to communal clashes, attacks by farmers and killings by bandits during cattle-rustling operations.
“Roughly, we can say that we have lost over 50 people from January to date,” Musa added.
He listed Kachia, Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Igabi, Jama’a, Kaura, Sanga, Jaba, Kudan, Makarfi, Lere, Zangon-Kataf and Kauru among areas where members had reported significant livestock losses.
According to him, cattle represented more than commercial assets for pastoralists, serving as a means of survival passed down through generations.
“The loss of a herd of cattle can therefore push an entire community into severe economic hardship,” he said.
Musa urged the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts against cattle rustling, banditry and other forms of rural criminality.
He also expressed concern over the opening of the Rijana livestock market in Kachia along the Kaduna–Abuja highway, citing reports and allegations that cattle obtained through criminal means could be entering the market.
The chairman called for stronger collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to conduct intelligence-led operations in forests and identified hotspots.
He further appealed for improved security along livestock routes and in vulnerable rural communities, as well as mechanisms to recover and return stolen animals to their legitimate owners.
Musa urged the state government to establish a committee to assess the losses suffered by cattle breeders and consider appropriate assistance for verified victims.
He also called for greater dialogue between farmers and pastoralists, saying peaceful coexistence was essential to restoring stability and supporting economic development.
The MACBAN chairman condemned cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, killings and other criminal activities.
“We do not support or defend criminals, regardless of their ethnic, religious, occupational or communal background,” he said.
He, however, appealed against the collective profiling of innocent livestock owners and law-abiding pastoralists over the actions of criminals.
Musa said MACBAN would continue to cooperate with government, security agencies, farmers’ organisations and traditional institutions to address insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.
- Atiku demands subsidy savings as ASUU threatens nationwide strike - September 13, 2026
- Kaduna cattle rustling claims 200,000 cows, kills 50 pastoralists — MACBAN - September 13, 2026
- Insurgency destroyed over 5,000 schools in Borno — Zulum - September 13, 2026
