Stakeholders Call for End to Ethnic Profiling in Security

During a high-level virtual dialogue convened by Beacon Security and supported by UKAID, stakeholders urged the abandonment of ethnic-based labels in security operations. The session, held on February 10, 2026, focused on improving security engagement in Nigeria's North West and North Central regions, where ethnic profiling has been linked to recurring tensions.

Dr. Kabir Adamu and Brig Gen Saleh Bala (retd) emphasized that careless language could undermine peacebuilding efforts and exacerbate instability.

Ukoha Ukiwo presented a study revealing that hate speech is a key driver of violence. Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, noted that ethnic labels often oversimplify identities and worsen marginalization.

The dialogue's outcomes will contribute to a broader conference scheduled for April 1-2, 2026, in Abuja, aimed at producing a toolkit for policy guidance on language use across defense, law enforcement, and judiciary institutions to foster collaboration and tackle stereotypes in Nigeria and the West African region.