The Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria has criticised a recent report attributed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which reportedly linked about 30,000 armed Fulani militants to insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Barkindo Chubado, the group described the claim as misleading, warning that it unfairly stereotypes millions of law-abiding Fulani citizens and risks deepening ethnic mistrust across the country.
The organisation argued that international assessments of Nigeria’s security situation often overemphasise alleged Fulani involvement in violence while downplaying the activities of other armed groups operating in different parts of the country.
It stressed that such generalisations could worsen tensions and undermine efforts to build national unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
The group recalled that similar narratives in the past had linked Fulani identity and Islam broadly to crimes such as banditry and kidnapping, particularly during previous administrations, leading to increased suspicion and hostility toward innocent Fulani communities.
According to the statement, these perceptions have in some cases resulted in attacks on Fulani settlements, destruction of property and loss of livestock, especially in parts of southern Nigeria and the North Central region.
The group further argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and should not be reduced to ethnic or religious identity, noting that factors such as land disputes, climate pressures, population growth and local political conflicts also contribute significantly to violence.
It maintained that herder–farmer clashes, often cited in public discourse, are frequently oversimplified despite evidence pointing to broader socio-economic and environmental causes.
The Concerned Fulani People therefore called for more balanced and evidence-based reporting from international organisations and media outlets when assessing Nigeria’s security situation.
It also urged political leaders and commentators to avoid rhetoric that could inflame ethnic divisions or deepen mistrust among communities.
The group insisted that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires inclusive dialogue, fairness in analysis and cooperation among all ethnic groups, rather than narratives that single out specific communities.
