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The dynamics of rural decay, youth unemployment and crime in Nigeria, and the attendant social consequences as the country is besieged by a "formidable army" of disillusioned youth, are examined. Youths account for an estimated sixty percent of Nigeria's 160 million people. Less than ten percent of these youths are gainfully employed. A significant percent of even those employed, are grossly under-employed since their remuneration is far below their qualification and expertise. The criminal neglect and glaring poor infrastructural development in the rural areas, has led young people to migrate massively to the cities in search of a non-existent better life. They end up in crime. They have become ready tools as political thugs to unscrupulous politicians who use them to rig elections and wreck mayhem on opponents. Some youths operate as kidnappers, crude oil thieves, child traffickers or fraudsters. Some have gone to the extreme of taking up arms; being involved in militancy or insurgency. The activities of the disgruntled youths have brought untold pains and needless tears to thousands. The paper concludes that the survival of the Nigerian nation state lies in the urgent reversal of the current high level youth unemployment, massive investment in agriculture, rural transformation and urgent job creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]