Armed Robbery Among Youths: Implication on Security in Nigeria

Abstract

The provision of adequate security is a social necessity for the smooth running of every society either developed or developing. The foremost social problem inhibiting security and developmental progress in Nigeria over the decades is the considerable increased rate of criminal activities among youths especially armed robbery. The country in recent times has witnessed an unprecedented level of insecurity through the criminal activities of youths resulting in national security threat. This study examined the armed robbery among youths and its implication on security in Nigeria through review of relevant literature, and concludes that security in Nigeria is greatly hampered by criminal activities of youths of which armed robbery is one. The study argued that a multi-pronged approach is needed to curb the menace of armed robbery in Nigeria. The study recommends that socio-economic and political factors such as unemployment, ethnicity, poverty, must be addressed in order to help curb the engagement of youths in armed robbery.