NCTC, stakeholders push for responsible security language to curb profiling in W/Africa

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and key stakeholders have called for more responsible use of language in security discourse, warning that careless terminology can fuel stereotypes, deepen divisions and undermine trust across West Africa. This formed the thrust of a two-day conference on “Contextualizing Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in […]

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and key stakeholders have called for more responsible use of language in security discourse, warning that careless terminology can fuel stereotypes, deepen divisions and undermine trust across West Africa.

This formed the thrust of a two-day conference on “Contextualizing Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa,” held in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, said the conference was convened to address how language shapes security outcomes in the region.

“The way we define, describe, and communicate security issues can either strengthen cohesion or unintentionally deepen mistrust, misunderstanding, and division among communities,” he said.

Laka, who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stressed that addressing security challenges requires more than force, noting that communication plays a critical role.

“Sustainable security cannot be achieved through kinetic measures alone, but must be anchored on prevention, trust-building, and responsible communication,” he added.

He warned that stereotyping and ethnic profiling could weaken intelligence gathering and cooperation.

“These challenges, if not properly addressed, have the potential to undermine intelligence cooperation, weaken community trust, and create unintended barriers between security institutions and the very populations we seek to protect,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, emphasised the impact of language on national unity and security.

“In security operations, in media reporting, and in public discourse, definitions are not neutral. They carry weight. They influence how communities are seen and how they are treated,” he said.

He cautioned that inaccurate labels could worsen divisions.

“When definitions are careless or inaccurate, they can reinforce stereotypes, deepen divisions, and create mistrust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for accuracy and restraint in describing security threats.

“We must ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions, without generalising blame to entire groups. We must distinguish clearly between criminal behaviour and identity,” he added.

On his part, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabir Adamu, said the conference was designed to address harmful narratives in security conversations.

“Over time, we have observed that identity, bias, and the choice of language in public discussions can isolate groups, reinforce stereotypes, and, in some cases, promote hate messaging,” he said.

He noted that the outcome of the conference would include practical tools to guide both media and security actors.

“The goal of this conference is to develop a comprehensive toolkit for media practitioners and security operators… to support more effective and inclusive security operations,” Adamu added.

In his opening remarks, founder of the WhiteInk Institute for Strategy Education and Research, Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala (retd.), described language as a powerful factor in shaping security realities.

“In security and social discourse, terms—once misused or decontextualized—become powerful tools that build walls, incite fear, and solidify dangerous stereotypes,” he said.

He further warned that profiling rooted in flawed narratives poses broader risks.

“Profiling frequently stems from flawed narratives that equate specific cultural nuances or identities with threats. This is not just a semantic issue; it is a human rights concern,” he said.

Bala explained that the conference would produce an “Anti-ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkit” and a national policy brief aimed at improving communication in security operations.

Participants at the conference are expected to examine how labels and narratives shape conflict, media reporting, and policy responses, as well as propose frameworks for non-stigmatizing terminology.

Stakeholders said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote inclusive, rights-based and effective security strategies across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.