POVERTY AND YOUTH RESTIVENESS IN THE CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Poverty and youth restiveness constitute major threats to peace and development in Nigeria. This study investigated the relationship between poverty, youth restiveness, and national security in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, this study, which is anchored on the frustration-aggression theory, examined the forms, causes, and consequences of youth restiveness and assessed government responses. A descriptive survey design was adopted using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table to determine sample size. Data was collected from 200 respondents across 11 wards using structured questionnaires, interviews, and observation. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test. The findings revealed that poverty manifests through high unemployment (95%), low access to quality education (98%), inadequate health care (90%), and poor housing (95%). Major forms of youth restiveness include political thuggery (91%), drug abuse (95%), gang activities (95%), and hooliganism (89%). Key causes include poverty (95%), unemployment (90%), drug abuse (98%), political manipulation (98%), and weak family structures (100%). Consequences include loss of life (95%), destruction of property (98%), increased insecurity (95%), and disruption of economic activities (95%). The chi-square result, χ² (9, N = 200) = 109.183, p < .001, confirmed a statistically significant relationship between youth restiveness and national security. The study concludes that restiveness among poverty-driven youth poses a serious threat to national security in Chanchaga LGA. It recommends sustainable youth employment programs, expansion of skills acquisition centers, anti-drug campaigns, community policing, and strict penalties for politicians who use youths for violence