IMPLICATION OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ON INSECURITY IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA BORNO STATE

Youth unemployment has become one of the most critical socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria, with profound implications for peace, security, and development. This study examines the implications of youth unemployment on insecurity in Jere Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. It seeks to determine the magnitude and causes of youth unemployment, assess its contribution to insecurity, identify manifestations of insecurity, and evaluate existing measures aimed at mitigating both phenomena. The study adopts a descriptive research design using both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews administered to youth, community leaders, and security personnel within Jere LGA, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature, government reports, and statistical agencies. Findings reveal that unemployment among youth in Jere is driven by multiple factors, including inadequate job opportunities, poor access to credit facilities, weak educational–industrial linkage, political instability, and prolonged insecurity caused by insurgency in the region. The study further establishes a strong correlation between youth unemployment and rising insecurity, as jobless youth are often vulnerable to manipulation by extremist groups, political actors, and criminal networks. Manifestations of insecurity in Jere include armed robbery, kidnapping, insurgency recruitment, drug abuse, and communal clashes, all of which undermine social stability and local development. The research concludes that addressing youth unemployment is pivotal to enhancing security and sustainable peace in Jere and similar conflict-prone areas. It recommends the implementation of inclusive employment policies, vocational training, entrepreneurship development, access to micro-credit, and effective security-youth engagement programmes. The study underscores the need for a coordinated approach involving government, private sector, and community stakeholders to curtail the twin challenges of unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria. Keywords: Youth unemployment, insecurity, Jere Local Government, Borno State, Nigeria, development, insurgency.