A contractor affiliated with the refinery told the police he had “personally arranged for the workers’ relocation” from Katsina for “legitimate employment purposes.”
The Lagos State Police Command has addressed public concerns sparked by a viral video circulating on social media, which shows a large group of young men gathered in front of the “Dano Company” premises in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Friday, the Command confirmed that the video captured the arrival of “89 young men” from Katsina State.
Following the “swift deployment of officers” to the scene on May 14, 2025, the police determined that the individuals were “recruited to work as labourers” at the “Dangote Refinery” in Lekki.
A contractor affiliated with the refinery told the police he had “personally arranged for the workers’ relocation” from Katsina for “legitimate employment purposes.”
According to the police, his explanation was corroborated by the refinery’s “Chief Security Officer,” who verified the workers’ “identities and clearance” for access to the “refinery facility.”
The statement noted that all 89 men were “thoroughly searched,” with “no illegal items found” in their possession.
It added that each individual presented valid identification, including “National Identification Numbers (NINs),” which were “verified by authorities.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged the public to “avoid spreading unverified or alarmist content,” emphasising the importance of “maintaining calm and public order.”
He reaffirmed the Command’s “commitment to safety” and stated that the police will “continue to respond promptly” to all issues relating to “public safety and security.”
There had been mixed reactions after the young men were seen at Ibeju-Lekki. Nigerians who commented on the development raised concerns about the number of men who came to the area, stating that they had no means of identification.
“Security Concerns: A group of young men allegedly from Kano and Katsina without any viable means of identification stormed Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos on Friday morning, May 16, 2025, claiming they came to work in Dangote Refinery,” @tnc24news posted along with the video.
Another X user, @uhl_movings, posted: “What kinda work exactly can they do in a petrochemical refinery?”
However, another X user with the handle @chiefstoic stated that there was nothing wrong with the young men seen at Ibeju-Lekki, noting that they had the right to seek jobs in other parts of the country.
“I do not think there is something wrong with people traveling to another state to look for job… (Except they were found with weapons), they have done nothing wrong…” the user posted.
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