Study of the Relationship Between Unemployment and Criminal Behaviour in Borno State

The relationship between unemployment and criminal activity has particular salience in Borno State, where prolonged Boko Haram insurgency has destroyed the formal economy, displaced millions, and left a large pool of unemployed youth vulnerable to criminal and violent group recruitment. This study examined the relationship between unemployment and criminal behaviour among youth in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 identified through NDLEA community registers, NYSC skill acquisition centres, and street-level enumeration. Structured questionnaires assessed unemployment duration, income sources, criminal activity engagement or proximity, and reasons for crime involvement or avoidance. Chi-square tests and regression analysis were applied. Results showed that 44.2 percent of respondents acknowledged engagement in or proximity to criminal income-generating activities. Duration of unemployment (OR 4.1, p < 0.001), prior insurgency displacement (OR 3.3, p < 0.001), and absence of vocational skills (OR 2.9, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of criminal behaviour proximity. Social support from family and community reduced criminal behaviour engagement significantly (p < 0.01). The study concludes that unemployment is a critical criminogenic factor in post-conflict Borno and recommends integrating economic empowerment into security stabilisation programming, prioritising vocational training for displaced youth, and strengthening community safety nets as crime prevention mechanisms. Keywords: unemployment, criminal behaviour, youth crime, Borno State, post-conflict security