ISSN 2360-7998
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between youth unemployment and rising crime rates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Drawing on strain theory, social disorganisation theory, and relative deprivation theory, the research adopted a mixed-methods approach comprising survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. A total of 1,300 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling across 13 local government areas, of which 1,250 questionnaires were successfully retrieved. Results revealed that 36.1% of respondents were unemployed, of which 76.2% admitted to knowing peers who had engaged in criminal activities. The findings also revealed a significant positive correlation between youth unemployment and criminal activity (p < 0.005), with chi-square tests confirming associations between joblessness, educational level, and involvement in crimes. Commonly reported crimes in the findings included theft, cultism, drug trafficking, and cyber fraud. Qualitative data further indicate that structural neglect, poverty, and a lack of opportunities fuel deviant behaviour among unemployed youths. The study recommends targeted job creation initiatives, skills training, and community-based crime prevention strategies. Findings emphasise the need to implement inclusive employment policies as a pathway to reducing youth crime and enhancing social stability..
Keyword: Youth unemployment, crime, social vices, Nigeria, deprivation theory