Experts Reject Ethnic Scapegoating, Demand Immediate Action to Strengthen National Unity

Security stakeholders have called for an end to ethnic scapegoating in Nigeria, warning that divisive narratives could undermine national unity and security efforts if left unchecked.

The call followed a high-level conference hosted by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited (BSIL) and the Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research (WISER) at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.

The event, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, convened key figures including Mohammed Idris, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Waidi Shaibu, and senior lawmakers, alongside international representatives.

Addressing participants, WISER President Saleh Bala and BSIL CEO Kabir Adamu stressed the dangers of harmful labelling in security discourse.

“Flawed narratives and lazy categorisations often equate specific cultural identities with threats,” they said.

They added: “The way we describe threats has real consequences… We must choose a language that supports peacebuilding and respects human dignity.”

The conference featured extensive sessions analysing identity-driven violence, the media’s influence on conflict narratives, and the operational risks of mislabeling armed groups.

One of the key outcomes was the creation of an Anti-Ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkit, alongside a National Policy Brief aimed at guiding security agencies, journalists, and policymakers.

“These documents will provide clear guidance… on the use of non-stigmatising and operationally effective language,” Adamu said.

He described the initiative as a “critical step” toward fostering inclusive security systems across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Brig. Gen. Bala urged immediate adoption of the recommendations, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We urge the Federal Government, state governments, ECOWAS… to take ownership of these recommendations,” he said.

He emphasised that the tools are intended to go beyond documentation.

“These aren’t just papers; they’re living frameworks to rebuild trust,” Adamu stressed.

Stakeholders say the conference signals a stronger push against rhetoric that fuels division, with the ultimate goal of strengthening national cohesion and improving security communication.

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