The Federal Government on Wednesday cautioned the media and the public against the use of careless and misleading language in security discourse, warning that vague definitions and harmful narratives could deepen divisions and erode national unity.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the warning in Abuja at a two-day conference titled “Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa.”
The conference, jointly organised by BEACON Security and Intelligence Limited and the Whiteink Institute for Strategic Education and Research (WISER), is aimed at promoting professionalism and inclusivity in security operations.
It is supported by UK International Development (SPRING) and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
Idris, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, stressed that the language used in describing security threats and affected communities carries significant consequences.
According to him, “the definitions and labels used in security operations, media reporting, and public discourse can shape perceptions of communities and influence how they are treated, either fostering trust or deepening divisions.”
He noted that Nigeria’s diverse composition—comprising hundreds of ethnic groups and multiple religious traditions—requires a disciplined and fair approach to communication and policy.
The minister emphasised that security extends beyond the use of force, stressing that trust remains a critical component of any sustainable strategy.
He added that citizens must be regarded as partners in efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape, including terrorism and organised crime, Idris said the government was strengthening its security architecture to respond effectively.
He called for accuracy in language, accountability in actions, and a clear distinction between criminal behaviour and identity to avoid profiling entire communities.
The minister also underscored the critical role of the media in ensuring responsible reporting and disseminating verified information, while advocating stronger regional cooperation to tackle shared security challenges.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, reiterated that the way security issues are defined and communicated can either strengthen social cohesion or breed distrust.
“The words we use in describing security threats and affected communities carry weight and consequences.
Responsible terminology is therefore an operational necessity that directly impacts trust and legitimacy,” Laka said.
He added that sustainable security cannot be achieved through kinetic measures alone, but must also involve prevention, trust-building, and responsible communication.
Laka reaffirmed the NCTC’s commitment to initiatives that promote professionalism, inclusivity, and responsible communication in security operations.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, called for increased investment in capacity building for local actors in conflict resolution.
“We must build the capacity of local actors because conflict is local, violence is local, and peace is also local.
The people are central and must not be disconnected from the process,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Umaru Yusuf, urged participants to engage in productive deliberations that would yield effective strategies for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and enhanced security.
He encouraged stakeholders to leverage the platform to forge partnerships and drive initiatives capable of addressing stereotyping and ethnic profiling in security operations.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, represented by Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.
He noted that the UK government, in partnership with Nigeria, had developed the SPRING programme to promote non-violent conflict resolution and strengthen resilience to climate-related pressures.
“The SPRING programme is evidence-based and addresses key drivers of violence and factors that undermine resilience in Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, President and Founder of WISER, retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala, warned that the misuse of labels and terminology in describing crimes and ethnic groups could inflame tensions and reinforce stereotypes.
“When you apply stereotyping labels, you are merely addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes of the problem,” Bala said.
He stressed the importance of understanding the historical and anthropological contexts of terms used in public discourse and urged elites to avoid sweeping generalisations.
Bala added that the conference seeks to raise awareness among key stakeholders on the dangers of harmful language, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
