This study examined influence of psychological distress and substance abuse on violent crimes among youths in Nigeria. This study investigated the influence of psychological distress and substance abuse on violent crimes among youths in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to select a sample of 207 participants, population 429. Their demographic characteristics male (Male: N= 109, 52.7%; Female: N= 98, 47.3%), In addition to providing demographic data, participants responded to (3) standardized self-report, including socio-demographic questionnaires. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. On the whole, three hypotheses were formulated and inferentially tested at 0.05 level of significant, using simple linear and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that psychological distress significantly predicted violent crimes among youths, (β = 0.482, t = 7.42, p < .001).. In addition to the finding, shows that Substance abuse significantly predicted violent crimes among youths. (β = 0.512, t = 8.01, p < .001). Given these results, findings confirm all the hypotheses formulated for the study and highlight the importance of addressing psychological and behavioral risk factors to reduce violent crimes among youths the study concluded and recommended that Drug Prevention Campaigns, Government and non-governmental organizations should intensify drug prevention campaigns targeted at adolescents. Therefore, comprehensive prevention and intervention programs targeting mental health and substance use are essential to curb youth involvement in violent crimes.