By John Ogunsemore
The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to a viral video circulating on social media of scores of young men gathered in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state after purportedly arriving from Katsina State.
Many Lagos residents, who expressed security concerns, had asked the police to investigate the motive of the young men in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Lagos, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the 89 young men arrived from Katsina State to work as labourers at Dangote Refinery located in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos.
Hundeyin said, “The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing a large number of young men who had reportedly just arrived in Lagos, seen gathered in front of the Dano Company premises in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.
“Upon receipt of the information on May 14, 2025, officers from the Command immediately deployed to the location to ascertain the facts.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the young men in question, eighty-nine (89) in number, had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited to work as labourers at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.”
The police spokesman said 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.
Hundeyin said the contractor’s statement was corroborated by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) 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 (NINs), which were duly verified.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP 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,” Hundeyin said.