By Evelyn Usman

The Lagos State Police Command has addressed concerns over a viral video that showed a group of young men from the northern part of Nigeria, gathered in the Lekki area of Lagos. According to the command, the 89 men were legitimate workers employed by the Dangote Refinery.

The command also allayed Lagosians fears that their presence posed security threats, adding that thorough searches and verification of their National Identification Numbers were made in the recruitment process into the Dangote refinery.

The command in a statement signed by its spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that upon receipt of the information on May 14, 2025, some policemen were deployed to the location to ascertain the facts.

The statement read: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the young men in question, 89 in number, had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited to work as labourers at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.

“A contractor working with the refinery appeared before the police and confirmed that he had personally sourced and brought the labourers from Katsina for legitimate employment purposes. His statement was corroborated by the Chief Security Officer of the refinery, who also affirmed that the labourers were verified and cleared for entry into the facility and would be residing in the facility.

“The individuals were thoroughly searched, and no incriminating items were found in their possession. Furthermore, each person properly identified themselves and presented their National Identification Numbers, which were duly verified.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Olohundare Jimoh, urges members of the public to remain calm and desist from spreading unverified or alarmist content that could create unnecessary tension or panic. He reiterates that the command remains committed to maintaining law and order across Lagos State and will continue to respond promptly to all matters relating to public safety.”

However , one of the young men who preferred to be anonymous said, “Really, I am not from Katsina, some of us are from different states, though ,we set out from Katsina. We are from different states. We are here for just two weeks work. They told us that we are here for temporary job for just two weeks .They warned us that they don’t employ permanent staff ,as permanent jobs are for the community, so, after our two weeks job, we will go back to our states”.

Another informed source, said, “They are here for a seasonal temporary job that will only last for two weeks . The people are for temporary jobs .”
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