Religious Bodies Crime Control Strategies in Lagos Slums, Nigeria

In Lagos' slum areas, where crime and social instability are rampant, religious bodies are uniquely positioned to influence positive change. This study adopted a qualitative, cross-sectional approach, guided by social disorganisation and stakeholder theories, to examine their impact. Purposive sampling was used to select 61 participants for in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. Findings indicate that religious bodies primarily engage youth through sermons and occasional events but lack structured crime control mechanisms. Key challenges include community resistance, limited police collaboration, resource constraints, and threats from violent youth. Furthermore, doctrinal concerns and fear of backlash hinder interfaith collaboration, with some leaders prioritising internal cohesion over external partnerships. The study recommends formal partnerships with the Nigerian police, proactive crime control strategies, structured evaluation mechanisms, efficient resource mobilisation, and enhanced interfaith cooperation to foster a more coordinated approach.