UNEMPLOYMENT, POVERTY AND ARMED ROBBERY IN PORT-HACOURT RIVERSTATE

Unemployment, poverty, and armed robbery form a multifaceted and interconnected triad of socio-economic chaffenges in Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria. This abstract provides an overview of the intricate refationship between these issues, shedding light on the deep-rooted problems faced by the city's residents. Port Harcourt, known as the oil capital of Nigeria, has witnessed significant economic growth over the years due to its proximity to the oil- rich Niger Delta region. However, this prosperity has not been evenly distributed, leading to a paradoxical situation where high unemployment and widespread poverty coexist with the city's oil wealth. As a result, a disconcerting increase in armed robbery cases has been observed, making it imperative to investigate the dynamics of this correlation. Unemployment rates in Port Harcourt are notably high, with a substantial portion of the population lacking access to formal employment opportunities. This circumstance exacerbates the levels of poverty in the city, leaving many residents unable to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. It is within this context of economie vulnerability that armed robbery thrives as an alternative means of survival for some individuals. Armed robbery has become a pressing concern in Port Harcourt, with incidents occurring frequently and often escalating to violence. The link between unemployment and poverty in the city and the upsurge in criminal activities, particularly armed robbery, undersceres the urgency of addressing these intertwined challenges comprehensively