UNIMAID Language Centre Hosts Two-Day Forensic Linguistics Training for Security and Judicial Experts

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Language Centre, in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), on December 3, 2025, commenced a two-day training workshop themed “Forensic Linguistics in Intelligence, Legal and Counter-Insurgency Operations: Training for Security and Judicial Experts in Borno State” at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, who declared the workshop open, welcomed participants and facilitators, commending their commitment to strengthening national security and justice delivery. He expressed optimism that the training would provide participants with both foundational and advanced forensic linguistics knowledge to enhance investigative procedures, boost institutional capacity, and promote reliable digital communication practices. The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the North East Development Commission for its sustained support to the university and its contributions to human capital development in the region.

In his remarks, the Director of the UNIMAID Language Centre, Prof. Jidda Hassan, described forensic linguistics as a critical tool in modern security and legal investigations, noting its relevance in addressing complex intelligence and judicial challenges. He explained that the workshop was specifically designed to equip law enforcement personnel and legal practitioners with practical forensic linguistic techniques for evaluating and interpreting language-based evidence.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Usman A. Tar emphasized the urgent need for continuous knowledge sharing through workshops and capacity-building programmes on forensic linguistics for security personnel and judicial experts. He stressed that such training is vital for enhancing intelligence gathering, strengthening counter-insurgency operations, and ensuring transparency and credibility in judicial processes.