Security experts and policymakers have called for an end to ethnic profiling in security operations, warning that the use of harmful narratives and stereotypes is worsening insecurity and deepening divisions among communities.
The call was made during a two-day workshop in Abuja organised by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, in partnership with WhiteInk Institute for Strategy Education and Research and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
The workshop focused on non-kinetic approaches to security, ethical operations and the need for more accurate language in describing violent conflicts.
Participants warned that the continued use of ethnic labels and generalised descriptions in reporting insecurity weakens public confidence, obstructs intelligence gathering and unfairly stigmatizes entire communities.
They said rising insecurity, communal violence and complex conflicts across Nigeria and the wider West African region make it necessary to adopt more responsible, context-sensitive communication that can support peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking at the event, AG Laka said insecurity cannot be addressed through military force alone, stressing that prevention, trust-building and responsible communication are equally important.
According to him, successful security operations depend on stronger cooperation between authorities and local communities, particularly in areas affected by violence.
Representatives of the information ministry, security agencies and other stakeholders also called for closer collaboration between government institutions, security agencies and the media to encourage balanced reporting and discourage harmful stereotypes.
Saleh Bala said the workshop was convened in response to increasing concerns over the misuse of labels and terms that promote bias, stigma and hate in discussions about insecurity. He added that the initiative was aimed at encouraging more responsible language in both public discourse and security operations.
Kabir Adamu also disclosed that the programme was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as part of efforts to strengthen peacebuilding and resilience in Nigeria and across West Africa.