Gang Mores in Nigeria: The Prospect and Challenges

Abstract

Indeed, gang culture had become an issue which gives the government, parents and other policy makers a huge concern. Of every ten boys’, six belong to a gang or being affected by gang operations. The purpose of this study is to present an analytical view of the nature, trend and dynamism of gang culture in Nigeria using the city of Lagos as a case study. The choice of the case study is due to the fact that Lagos is a mega city which will best capture the issues related to gangs and at the same time ably represents all other parts of the country and indeed cities across the world. The methodology used in this work is an exploratory case study approach of group theory. Focus groups and archival data are used to explore different perspectives on the phenomena of gang culture. The findings show the trend of gang culture growth from joblessness to aggrieved youths and to armed groups. Also that a great treat is poised on the peace and security of the society if a concrete solution is not meted out. The study suggests a need for a working collaboration of the government, the parents and other social reformative agencies or organizations so as to rally round the youths in other to reduce the menace of gangs on the life of the society. Conclusion is however drawn on the fact that there is a rapid proliferation of gang culture in Nigeria, most among the youths of less than twenty years of age and the next generations might witness serious growth of terrorist attacks than what is being witness at present if this menace is not curbed effectively.

Key Words: Gangs, Gang Culture, Hoodlums, Violence and Lagos.