Weak Economy Driving Nigerian Youth into Banditry

Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), stated that Nigeria's declining economy is pushing youths into banditry and other criminal activities.

During a visit to the Media Trust Group headquarters in Abuja, he highlighted the rise in youth unemployment as a significant factor contributing to insecurity. Ochogwu pointed out that the lack of productive engagement for young people creates a fertile ground for criminal activities, including banditry and illicit mining.

He warned that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken to absorb unemployed youth into productive activities. He identified the weak local government system as a major structural problem driving insecurity, emphasizing that without addressing local governance issues, peace cannot be achieved.

Hamza Idri, speaking on behalf of the Media Trust Group, expressed readiness to partner with the IPCR to tackle insecurity by addressing its root causes, particularly unemployment.