NCTC Issues Caution on Security Language Misuse
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has issued a stern warning to security agencies regarding the careless use of language in security discourse. According to the NCTC, such terminology not only fuels ethnic profiling but also deepens societal divisions and undermines trust across West Africa. This critical call was made during a two-day conference held in Abuja, titled "Contextualizing Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa."
Major General Adamu Garba Laka Highlights Language Impact
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, emphasized that the conference was convened to examine how language shapes security outcomes in the region. Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, he noted that the way security issues are defined and communicated can either promote unity or worsen mistrust among communities. "Sustainable security goes beyond the use of force and must be anchored on prevention, trust-building, and responsible communication," he stated. He further warned that stereotyping and ethnic profiling could weaken intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Minister of Information and Media Role Stressed
Also addressing the conference, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dili Ezughah, highlighted the significant consequences of language used in security operations and media reporting for national unity. He cautioned that inaccurate or careless labels could reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions, and create mistrust between citizens and institutions. "There is a pressing need to distinguish between criminal behaviour and group identity," he stressed, underscoring the importance of precise terminology in fostering cohesion.
Practical Tools and Policy Initiatives Announced
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, explained that the conference was designed to tackle harmful narratives in public discussions on security. He noted that bias and identity-based language often isolate groups and, in some cases, promote hate messaging. Adamu added that the conference would produce practical tools, including a comprehensive toolkit for media practitioners and security operators, to promote inclusive and effective security communication. Similarly, the founder of WhiteInk Institute for Strategy Education and Research, Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala (retd.), described language as a powerful force in shaping security realities. He warned that misuse of terms could incite fear, reinforce dangerous stereotypes, and pose broader human rights concerns. Bala announced that the conference would also produce an "Anti-ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkit" and a national policy brief aimed at improving communication in security operations.
Broader Efforts for Inclusive Security Strategies
Participants at the conference were expected to examine how narratives influence conflict, media reporting, and policy responses, while proposing frameworks for non-stigmatizing terminology. Stakeholders noted that this initiative forms part of wider efforts to promote inclusive, rights-based, and effective security strategies in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. The focus remains on building trust and preventing the escalation of tensions through mindful communication practices.
