By Kingsley Omonobi

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has described the Anti-Ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkits for media and security as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing threats to peace, stability, and national development in Nigeria.

The Director-General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, made this known on Wednesday at an expert validation meeting on the toolkits held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

He was represented by the Director of Internal Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Gerald Okafor.

Ochogwu said the initiative represents a major step toward strengthening peacebuilding, security awareness, and responsible communication in the country.

“Our gathering today for the validation of the Anti-Ethnic Stereotyping and Profiling Toolkits is not only necessary but also strategic in rescuing our dear nation from threats to peace, security, stability, and progress,” he said.

He commended Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited and the WhiteInk Institute for Strategy Education and Research (WISER) for their efforts in developing the toolkits, describing their contribution as visionary and impactful.

Also speaking, Brig. Gen. Saleh Bala (rtd), President and Founder of WISER, said the toolkits were developed to address a largely overlooked challenge within Nigeria’s security and information space.

He noted that language used in reporting and communication could either promote unity or deepen divisions, depending on how it is framed.

“The language, narratives, and labels used in reporting and communication can have far-reaching consequences. They can either foster understanding, inclusion, and peace, or inadvertently reinforce stereotypes, encourage ethnic profiling, deepen divisions, and fuel mistrust among communities,” he said.

Bala warned that Nigeria’s diversity, while an asset, requires greater responsibility in how issues of security, ethnicity, and religion are reported.

He added that the challenge has become even more pronounced on social media, where stereotypes and ethnic profiling can spread rapidly and shape public perception.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Kabiru Adamu, said the project was based on the understanding that language is a powerful tool that can influence public perception and security outcomes.

He explained that the words used by security agencies, policymakers, and the media can either reduce tensions or worsen conflict situations.

The validation meeting brought together security agencies, intelligence officials, military representatives, media practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, policymakers, and development partners to review and strengthen the toolkits ahead of their official launch.