<![CDATA[Youth unemployment remains one of the most persistent socio-economic and security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest geopolitical zone. The increasing incidence of kidnapping and banditry in the region has raised concerns regarding the relationship between economic deprivation, unemployment, and criminality among youths. This study examines the nexus between youth unemployment, entrepreneurship development, kidnapping, and banditry in Northwest Nigeria. Using a qualitative research design and documentary analysis of secondary data obtained from government reports, academic publications, security reports, and international development agencies, the study investigates how unemployment and inadequate entrepreneurial opportunities contribute to insecurity in the region. The study is anchored on Relative Deprivation Theory and Social Disorganization Theory, which explain how economic exclusion, social inequalities, and institutional weaknesses influence criminal behaviour. Findings reveal that widespread unemployment, poverty, weak governance, inadequate access to quality education, and limited entrepreneurial opportunities have increased the vulnerability of youths to recruitment into kidnapping and banditry networks. The study further finds that entrepreneurship development through vocational training, business incubation, access to finance, agricultural enterprises, and digital innovation can significantly reduce youth involvement in criminal activities by creating sustainable livelihoods. The paper concludes that entrepreneurship development represents a viable strategy for addressing unemployment and reducing insecurity in Northwest Nigeria. It recommends the integration of entrepreneurship education, youth enterprise development programmes, and employment generation initiatives into national security and development policies.]]>
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