Poverty and Terrorism Relapse: Youths Empowerment as a Prevention Strategy in Yobe State, Nigeria

This article aims at examining the influence of poverty on terrorism relapse in Yobe State, Nigeria, with a view to provide prevention strategy through youths’ empowerment. The study examined role of poverty in fuelling domestic terrorism; find out if youth empowerment can prevent terrorism relapse in Yobe State; and suggest effective youth empowerment policies for fighting poverty in the State. The study adopts Six Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD) in order to explain the importance of youth empowerment as a prevention strategy for terrorism relapse in the State. After reviewing a body of literature, the study adopted descriptive research design by describing how poverty portends terrorism relapse among youths. The study population included male and female youths of 18 years and above and the target population of the study includes political and traditional leaders, law enforcement agents (Police, NSCDC, DSS, NAPTIP, etc.), representatives of NGOs and CSOs. A total sample of 309 was selected. Questionnaire was the instrument of data collection and quantitative method was used for analysing the data. The study findings reveal that poverty, especially in the form of unemployment, lack of basic needs, and poor economic conditions, significantly contributes to youth vulnerability and recruitment into terrorist groups. Respondents strongly agreed that empowered youths (through skills acquisition and entrepreneurial support) are less likely to relapse into terrorism and are more inclined toward positive societal engagement. Additionally, there is widespread support for government investment in empowerment programs, particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities, and for the inclusion of youths in policy design and implementation. The study concludes that poverty is not only a socioeconomic issue but also a security threat, and addressing it through sustainable youth empowerment programs is vital for achieving long-term peace and development in Yobe State. Based on the findings, the study recommends comprehensive and inclusive empowerment initiatives, integration of poverty reduction into counter-terrorism strategies, participatory policy-making, and the establishment of effective monitoring mechanisms.