Abstract

One major social problems trending in Nigeria today is insecurity. That is why it is an interesting discourse for counsellors. Effective introduction and usage of counselling for peace and security is a veritable tool for national growth, development and transformation. The youths are more vulnerable and mostly affected in time of any unrest and insecurity. The study was conducted to investigate the perception of youths in Rivers State on the causes and ways of managing insecurity challenges in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey type design. The sample for this study comprised of 100 youths in Port Harcourt metropolis who were randomly selected. A self-designed questionnaire “perception of youths on causes and management of insecurity in Nigeria” (PYC&MI) questionnaire was used to obtain data for participants. Three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistic like percentages and inferential statistics like one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test. The findings of the study showed that youth unemployment, corruption, struggle for political power, greed and religion intolerance were some of the causes of insecurity in Nigeria. It was also discovered that insecurity in Nigeria can be curbed by promoting family and community stability; promoting counselling for peace and security; and the use of dialogue. The youths in Rivers State irrespective of their place of abode, age and gender agreed on these causes and possible solution to insecurity in the country.