Exploring Religio-Moral Preventive Strategies for Curbing Political Thuggery among Youth in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria

Political thuggery remains a significant challenge to democratic consolidation in Nigeria, particularly in peri-urban and border communities such as the Badagry Division of Lagos State. This study examines the role of religio-moral preventive strategies in reducing youth involvement in electoral violence. It explores how Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion function as informal systems of social control that shape moral behaviour and civic responsibility among youths. The study adopts a qualitative research design based on library research and draws on scholarly literature, documentary materials, and relevant news reports. It is anchored on Social Control Theory, which explains conformity through the strength of individuals’ bonds to societal institutions. Findings indicate that religious and traditional institutions in Badagry Division contribute to violence prevention through moral instruction, youth mentorship, civic sensitization, and community engagement. The study concludes that religio-moral strategies are most effective when complemented by formal governance and security measures. It recommends strengthened collaboration between religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society, and government institutions as a sustainable approach to reducing youth involvement in political thuggery.