On Wednesday, the federal government issued a warning against using sloppy language in security, the media, and public debate because imprecise definitions have the potential to widen rifts and weaken national cohesion.
At a two-day symposium on “Contextualising Definitions and Terminologies to Address Stereotyping and Ethnic Profiling in Discourses and Security Operations in West Africa,” Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued the warning in Abuja.
The goal of the conference, which is being co-hosted by Whiteink Institute for Strategic Education and Research (WISER) and BEACON Security and Intelligence Limited, is to advance professionalism and inclusion in security operations.
Additionally, UK International Development, SPRING, and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) fund it.
Idris was represented by Dr. Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), who pointed out that language used to describe security risks and impacted areas might have weight and repercussions.
He claims that labels and definitions employed in public discourse, media coverage, and security activities can affect how communities are perceived and handled and can either strengthen or widen divisions.
He used Nigeria’s experience—which has hundreds of ethnic groups and various religious traditions—as an illustration of how managing diversity calls for discipline and fairness in communication and policy.
The minister emphasized that trust is just as important to security as power and enforcement, and that citizens must be viewed as collaborators in the fight against security threats.
He pointed out that Nigeria was bolstering its security infrastructure to counter the dangers posed by terrorism and organized crime, two of the country’s present difficult security concerns.
In order to avoid categorizing entire communities, he advocated for precision in language, responsibility for deeds, and differentiating between criminal behavior and identity.
Idris also emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation to overcome common security concerns and the vital role that the media plays in encouraging responsible reporting and verifiable information.
In his welcome speech, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), pointed out that how security concerns were defined, explained, and conveyed could either improve community cohesiveness or increase mistrust.
When discussing security risks and impacted communities, the language we employ can have significant implications.
According to Laka, “responsible terminology is therefore an operational necessity that directly impacts trust and legitimacy.”
He emphasized that preventive, trust-building, and responsible communication were necessary for achieving sustainable security rather than relying solely on kinetic tactics.
Laka reiterated the NCTC’s dedication to promoting security-related professionalism, inclusivity, and responsible communication.
Speaking as well, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of IPCR, urged sufficient funding and capacity building for regional players to tackle the nation’s conflict and violent problems.
Since conflict and violence are local, peace is also local, and people are at its core, we must strengthen the capacity of our local actors. He stated, “We can’t cut people off.”
Under the direction of Maj.-Gen. Umaru Yusuf, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, called for fruitful talks and perceptive conversations that would result in more successful approaches to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and security development.
In order to counter stereotyping and ethnic profiling in discourses and security operations, he urged attendees to use the forum to create alliances and spearhead projects that would have long-lasting effects.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, promised the commission’s support for peacebuilding in Nigeria through Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead for the Splendid Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG).
As part of this general, long-standing support, the UK government has collaborated with the Nigerian government to create the SPRING, which will work with Nigerian institutions and actors to support efforts at peaceful conflict resolution as well as to improve adaptation and resilience to the pressures of climate change.
According to him, “the SPRING program is an evidence-based program on what research has found to be the issues that drive violence and undermine resilience in Nigeria.”
Retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala, President and Founder of WISER, cautioned that using names and terminology to describe crimes and ethnic groups could lead to conflict and prejudices.
“You’re only dealing with the symptoms, not the root of the problem, when you slap labels that are stereotyping and profiling,” Bala stated.
He emphasized how important it is to comprehend the anthropological and historical backgrounds of names and labels.
He emphasized that elites had an obligation to encourage responsible communication and to become aware of the harm caused by employing careless, general terms and terminology.
In order to create a more peaceful society, he claimed that the conference would assist in raising elites’ awareness of the risks associated with employing language that could incite conflict and stereotyping.
Prior to his planned four-state tour of the nation, President Bola Tinubu will visit Jos, the capital of Plateau State, today.
It is anticipated that the president will express sympathy to the Plateau administration and inhabitants regarding the recent gun attacks that killed innocent persons.
The visit comes after his previously scheduled travel to Iperu, Ogun State, to launch operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport, was postponed.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The visit demonstrates the administration’s concern for security issues and its support for the state’s impacted residents.
The President will go from Plateau to Lagos for the Good Friday celebration.
Tinubu will visit Ogun State on Saturday to officially open the Gateway International Cargo Airport. He will also launch two commercial aircraft that will be used for import and export activities in an effort to accelerate the state’s economic development.
The President is expected to open the new Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service building during the Ogun visit.
Additionally, he will launch operational vehicles to improve the service’s effectiveness in managing borders and facilitating trade.
After that, Tinubu will go back to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday and attend other official events.
The President is scheduled to commission important infrastructure projects carried out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government while he is in Lagos.
These include the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building, the Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge, and a Multi-Agency Complex bearing the President’s name.
In an effort to enhance the state’s educational infrastructure, he will also open a school complex.
Tinubu is expected to visit Bayelsa on April 10 to commission projects before heading back to Abuja.
Gov. Duoye Diri’s administration finished the projects.
It is anticipated that the four-state journey will include both condolence visits and the commissioning of various infrastructure projects.43
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