FG, NCTC Warn: Careless Security Language Fuels Ethnic Profiling, Weakens Trust
The Federal Government, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and key security stakeholders have issued a strong warning about the critical importance of responsible language in security discussions, emphasizing that careless expressions can dangerously promote ethnic profiling and significantly erode public trust across Nigeria and West Africa.
Conference Addresses Language Impact on Security Outcomes
This crucial position was formally presented during a comprehensive two-day conference held in Abuja, themed "Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa." The gathering brought together security experts, government officials, and media representatives to examine how language directly influences security realities in the region.
Speaking at the significant event, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, explained that the forum was specifically organized to thoroughly examine the profound influence of language on security outcomes throughout West Africa. Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Laka emphasized that how security issues are carefully framed and communicated can either substantially strengthen national unity or dangerously deepen suspicion among diverse communities.
Laka stressed that lasting security cannot rely solely on military force but must be fundamentally built on prevention strategies, mutual trust development, and responsible communication practices. He issued a clear warning that stereotyping and ethnic profiling could severely undermine intelligence gathering efforts and significantly weaken essential cooperation between security agencies and local populations.
Government Warns Against Harmful Media Narratives
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, strongly cautioned that language used in both security operations and media reporting carries serious implications for national cohesion and social stability.
He emphasized the absolute need for accuracy and sensitivity in all security-related communications, warning that careless labeling can powerfully reinforce harmful stereotypes, dangerously deepen societal divisions, and create damaging mistrust between citizens and government institutions. Idris further stressed the critical importance of separating individual criminal acts from broader group identities to prevent collective punishment and discrimination.
Experts Propose Inclusive Communication Strategies
In his detailed remarks, the Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, explained that the conference aimed to systematically address harmful narratives in public security discourse. He noted that identity-based language often alienates entire communities and, in some instances, actively fuels hate messaging and inter-group tensions.
Adamu added that the gathering would produce practical communication tools, including a comprehensive guide specifically designed for media practitioners and security personnel, to promote more inclusive and responsible communication practices across all security-related discussions.
Toolkit and Policy Recommendations Under Development
Similarly, the founder of WhiteInk Institute for Strategy Education and Research, Brigadier-General Saleh Bala (retired), described language as a powerful factor in actively shaping security realities and public perceptions. He warned that misuse of security terminology could generate unnecessary fear, reinforce dangerous stereotypes, and raise serious human rights concerns regarding discrimination and profiling.
Bala disclosed that the conference would produce a comprehensive "Anti-ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkit" alongside a detailed national policy brief specifically aimed at improving communication protocols in security operations and media reporting.
Participants at the conference are expected to thoroughly examine how security narratives influence conflict dynamics, media reporting standards, and policy responses, while proposing concrete frameworks that encourage non-stigmatising terminology and responsible communication practices.
All stakeholders noted that this important initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to promote inclusive, rights-based, and effective security strategies throughout Nigeria and across the West African region, recognizing that language represents a fundamental component of comprehensive security approaches.
