2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

Background: Insecurity is a major challenge facing Nigeria, with devastating impacts on peace, unity, and development. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and government response to insecurity.

Objectives: This study examines the Us vs. Them narrative in media reporting on insecurity in Nigeria, deconstructing stereotypes and exploring the role of media convergence in shaping public perceptions.

Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on Framing Theory, supported by Identity Construction Theory, Mediamorphosis Theory, and Social Responsibility Media Theory.

Methodology: This study adopted a library method, analyzing secondary data from various research databases. Using purposive sampling, 107 relevant materials were selected and analyzed using thematic and synthesis discourse analysis.

Findings: The study reveals that insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, often linked to government failures and poor governance. The media often frames security issues in terms of us vs. them, fueling conflict and animosity. Media convergence has both positive and negative impacts, providing opportunities for promoting peace and stability while creating challenges like misinformation. The study also identifies challenges facing reporting insecurity in the media-converged era, including media politicization, lack of media literacy, difficulty of controlling narratives, and the potential for biased reporting.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the reporting of insecurity in this media-converged era is particularly daunting due to the focus on stereotypes linked to the coverage of the issue, rather than an impartial representation of the security situation.

Recommendations: Media outlets should adopt conflict-sensitive reporting practices, prioritize peace and resolution, and leverage media convergence to promote peace and stability. Journalists should receive training on conflict reporting, data journalism, and media literacy. Media owners and policymakers should prioritize media literacy, infrastructure development, and journalist training to support effective and responsible media reporting on security issues.