Stakeholders Urge Precise Language To Curb Hate Speech

Security stakeholders have called for the use of precise language during conflicts to curb hate speech and divisive narratives and to strengthen human intelligence capabilities.

They made the call during a high-level virtual dialogue organised by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited and the White Ink Institute for Strategy Education and Research, with support from the UKAid-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme.

The event, held on Wednesday, focused on refining the linguistic framework used in security operations across West Africa. Participants warned that ethnicity-based labels reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine national stability.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and jointly signed by the Managing Director of BSIL, Dr Kabir Adamu, and the President and Founder of WISER, Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala (retd), the organisers noted that imprecise terminology continues to fuel profiling and stigmatisation, particularly in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions.

Speaking during the dialogue, Team Leader of the SPRING programme, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, said inception studies identified the proliferation of hate speech and divisive narratives as key drivers of violence in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of “conflict sensitivity,” warning that insensitive language could cause peacebuilding efforts to “boomerang” and trigger further unrest.

Also, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, Dr Fatima Akilu, said labels were rarely neutral, adding that they often flatten complex identities and deepen marginalisation in affected communities.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Governance and Development to the Borno State Governor’s Office, Amb. Sarki Usman described ethnic profiling as strategically inefficient, noting that it creates a stigma that hampers intelligence-gathering and weakens national security.

From academia, Prof. Okey Okechukwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University called for inclusive, grassroots peacebuilding efforts that move beyond what he termed “seminar bubbles.”

Representing the military and security sector, Maj.-Gen. E.G. Ode (retd) urged a strategic overhaul that integrates cultural awareness and accountability into frontline operations.

Similarly, Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (retd), speaking for the media, advised practitioners to prioritise criminal behaviour over ethnic identity to avoid what he described as “dog-whistle” narratives.

A community leader from the North-Central, Mr George Iyua’a, emphasised that security terminology must remain behaviour-based to protect innocent civilians and restore public trust.