Experts Urge End to Ethnicity Labels in Security Ops

On February 10, 2026, a high-level virtual dialogue hosted by Beacon Security Intelligence Limited and supported by Wiser addressed the critical issue of ethnicity-based labels in security operations in Nigeria. Key speakers included Dr.

Kabir Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security Intelligence Limited, and Brig. Gen.

Saleh Bala (rtd), Founder of Wiser. The dialogue highlighted that such labels contribute to stigmatization and can exacerbate tensions, particularly in Nigeria's North West and North Central regions.

Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo presented findings indicating that hate speech remains a significant driver of violence.

Participants, including Dr. Fatima Akilu from the Neem Foundation, stressed that these labels oversimplify identities and deepen marginalization.

The dialogue concluded with a call for a community-driven peacebuilding approach and the need for a strategic overhaul in security operations. A follow-up conference is scheduled for April 1-2, 2026, in Abuja to produce a toolkit aimed at guiding language use in defense and law enforcement.