Relevance of Islamic Tenets in Combating Gangsterism Among Youths in Lagos State: #EndSARS# in Focus

Abstract; Youth occupy a central position in societal development and are widely regarded as future leaders and agents of positive change. However, this perception has increasingly been challenged by the growing involvement of youths in violent criminal activities such as gangsterism, cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry. In Lagos State, these challenges became evident particularly during and after the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which exposed deeper issues of youth marginalisation, social discontent, and organised youth violence within urban spaces. Against this background, this study investigates the factors driving youth gangster formation in Lagos State and examines the relevance of Islamic ethical teachings as moral and social framework for addressing the phenomenon. The study discusses key concepts such as the worldview on gangsterism, Islamic perspective on youth, implications of gang formation, and factors responsible for youth involvement in gangster activities. It further analyses the socio-cultural, psychological, technological, and environmental factors, including poverty, peer influence, weak moral orientation, and the misuse of digital and social media that predispose youths to gangsterism as well as the consequences of such activities for victims and society at large. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach; consist of primary and secondary data through questionnaires, and direct observation. Data were collected from youths across the five indigenous divisions (IBILE) of the State. Findings reveal that socio-economic deprivation, moral disorientation, peer pressure, and unregulated exposure to digital platforms significantly contribute to youth involvement in gangsterism. The study argues that Islamic tenets, which emphasises moral discipline, justice, peaceful coexistence, community responsibility, and non-violence, offer viable pathways for youth reorientation and crime prevention. Thus, the paper enlightens youths on the risks associated with gang involvement while highlighting constructive, non-violent means, rooted in Islamic principles, through which they can pursue their aspirations and maximise their potential as responsible members of society.