Bashir Ahmad Criticises Netflix Film ‘The Herd,’ Says It Promotes Harmful Stereotypes Against Fulani Community

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has raised strong concerns over the newly released Netflix film The Herd, arguing that the movie risks deepening public misunderstanding and profiling of Fulani herders in Nigeria’s already tense security climate.

The film, directed by Daniel Etim Effiong, made its Netflix debut on November 21, 2025, after a successful theatrical run that grossed more than 188 million naira nationwide. Marketed as a thriller inspired by real-life kidnapping incidents, The Herd focuses on a newlywed couple abducted by armed bandits during a road journey. The storyline incorporates cultural elements, including the Igbo caste system, and reflects the widespread issue of insecurity affecting several Nigerian states.

In a statement posted to his verified X handle on Saturday November 22, 2025, Ahmad expressed disapproval of the film’s presentation of its antagonists. He cautioned that the visual cues and narrative choices may encourage audiences, both local and international, to associate the Fulani ethnic group with terrorism and violent crime.

One scene in the film’s teaser particularly drew his attention. The clip shows a group of herders crossing a road with cattle before suddenly brandishing firearms and attacking travellers. Ahmad argued that such a depiction creates a misleading impression that ordinary pastoral activities are linked to criminality. He added that this is how harmful stereotypes are formed and warned that the cinematic framing simplifies a complex national crisis.

According to Ahmad, the criticism directed at the film is not rooted in denying the existence of banditry. He acknowledged that some individuals involved in attacks on communities have been identified as Fulani. However, he emphasised that the majority of Fulani herders are law-abiding citizens who have suffered from violence, displacement, loss of livestock and economic hardship caused by criminal groups operating across the Sahel and northern Nigeria.

His concerns are consistent with statements from pastoralist associations that have complained about increasing discrimination, harassment and the erosion of traditional grazing routes. They argue that many herders face unjust suspicion because of narratives that fail to distinguish between criminals and innocent pastoral families.

Public reactions to the movie have been sharply divided. Some viewers from communities affected by kidnapping claim the film mirrors incidents they have experienced, especially in states such as Niger, Kebbi and Kwara. Others argue that it overlooks the broader dynamics of insecurity, including conflicts involving militias, local armed groups and issues linked to land use, climate change and dwindling resources.

Film critics say The Herd captures the tension surrounding Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. However, some reviewers have noted that its character portrayals may influence global audiences who lack context about Nigeria’s diverse pastoral communities.

Analysts warn that media portrayals carry significant weight in shaping public perception, particularly regarding ethnic groups that are often misunderstood or politically marginalised. They highlight the danger of allowing fictional stories to reinforce real-world prejudices during a period when Nigeria continues to struggle with security challenges and ethnic tensions.

Ahmad concluded by urging filmmakers and content creators to adopt a more balanced approach in telling stories rooted in national tragedies. He said such narratives should hold criminals accountable without casting suspicion on innocent communities and stressed that constructive storytelling can promote unity rather than deepen existing divisions.