The Lagos State Police Command has cleared the air on the mission of some northern youths recorded in a video that has now gone viral on the internet, raising controversy over the security and safety of residents.
The police said the young men, who were filmed in large numbers in Lekki, Lagos State, were genuine workers employed by the Dangote Refinery, Lekki.
A statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that: “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 the 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, 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 there.
“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 public members 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, a source in the Police says the youths in the viral video are genuine workers.
The Lagos State Police Command has cleared the air on the mission of some northern youths recorded in a video that has now gone viral on the internet, raising controversy over the security and safety of residents.
The police said the young men, who were filmed in large numbers in Lekki, Lagos State, were genuine workers employed by the Dangote Refinery, Lekki.
A statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that: “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 the 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, 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 there.
“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 youngmen who preferred to be anonymous said, “Really, I am not from Katsina, some of us are from different states, though ,we set out from Kt sina. We are from different states. We are here for just two weeks of work. They told us that we are here for temporary job for a ust two weeks . They warned us tht they don’t employ permanent staff ,as permanent jobs re for the community,so, after our two w eeks 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 .”
