Policing and Conflict Management in Urban Slums: Evidence from Ajegunle, Lagos State

This study generates empirical evidence on policing practices and their relationship to conflict management outcomes in Ajegunle, a densely populated urban slum community in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Urban slums are characterised by layered governance gaps, gang-related violence, and complex community-police dynamics that distinguish their conflict management needs from those of other urban environments. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, with quantitative data collected from 260 Ajegunle residents using structured conflict and policing perception questionnaires, supplemented by qualitative interview data from 25 police officers, community association leaders, and local government officials. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify predictors of conflict management satisfaction. The theoretical framework draws from urban conflict management theory and procedural justice theory. Findings indicate that perceived police procedural fairness is the strongest predictor of community conflict management satisfaction in Ajegunle, exceeding the predictive value of police presence frequency or response time. Communities with active area committee-based conflict resolution platforms alongside police engagement report lower conflict escalation rates. The study also documents the significant role of informal gang governance in filling community conflict management vacuums. Recommendations include deploying community policing specialists with conflict mediation training specifically to high-density slum communities, establishing civilian conflict resolution platforms with police coordination in each slum ward, and addressing governance infrastructure deficits that create vacuums filled by gang conflict governance. Keywords: policing, conflict management, urban slums, Ajegunle, Lagos State.