Sociolinguistic implications of Multilingualism on Artificial intelligence and Insecurity Issues in Nigeria

The study examines the sociolinguistic implications of multilingualism on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and insecurity issues in Nigeria. The aim is to investigate how Nigeria’s linguistic diversity influences the effectiveness of AI-mediated communication and security management. Specifically, it seeks to examine the impact of multilingualism on AI communication and information dissemination, explore the role of language barriers in shaping responses to insecurity, and assess the implications of AI language technologies for security management in multilingual communities. It is anchored on Joshua A. Fishman’s Sociolinguistic Theory which explains the relationship between language use and social structures. A descriptive research design with a qualitative approach was adopted. Data are collected through observation and documentation of government reports, media sources, and AI-based communication platforms. The data are analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring sociolinguistic patterns. Findings reveal that multilingualism significantly affects AI communication in Nigeria, as most systems prioritize English and a few major indigenous languages, leading to linguistic exclusion of minority groups. It was also found that language barriers contribute to misinformation, delayed responses to security alerts, and ineffective communication in insecurity management. Furthermore, AI language technologies improve surveillance and information flow but remain limited by inadequate indigenous language integration. The study concludes that multilingualism is both a resource and a challenge in AI-driven security communication. It recommends the development of inclusive multilingual AI systems, improved collaboration between linguists and developers, and stronger government support for indigenous language technologies to enhance security communication effectiveness in Nigeria.