This account was validated by the refinery’s Chief Security Officer, who confirmed that the workers had pre-registered clearance and valid identification, including National Identification Numbers (NINs) which were cross-verified by security personnel
By Afolabi Ayodele
KoikiMedia Reports
The Lagos State Police Command has addressed growing public concern following the circulation of a viral video showing a large group of young men gathered outside the premises of the “Dano Company” in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos.
In a press release issued on Friday, May 16, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Command confirmed that the group 89 young men had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited as labourers for the Dangote Refinery project.
Police officers were swiftly deployed to the location on May 14, following a wave of social media speculation that questioned the presence and intentions of the young men. Upon investigation, the police learned from a contractor affiliated with the refinery that he had personally arranged for the group’s relocation from Katsina for legitimate employment purposes.
This account was validated by the refinery’s Chief Security Officer, who confirmed that the workers had pre-registered clearance and valid identification, including National Identification Numbers (NINs) which were cross-verified by security personnel.
The police reported that all individuals were thoroughly searched, and no prohibited or suspicious items were found in their possession.
In response to the public reaction, Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading misinformation or sensational content, stressing that public discourse should not jeopardize peace and social harmony. He reiterated the Command’s dedication to upholding safety and responding swiftly to potential threats, while emphasizing the need to maintain a calm and informed environment.
The incident drew mixed reactions online. Some users voiced unease over the sudden appearance of a large group of unfamiliar individuals in a sensitive industrial zone.
One X user, @tnc24news, posted: “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.”
Another user, @uhl_movings, questioned the nature of the jobs available to unskilled labourers in a petrochemical environment.
However, others took a more moderate view. @chiefstoic wrote: “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people travelling to another state to find work. As long as they weren’t caught with weapons, they’ve done nothing wrong.”
The Lagos State Police have assured the public that monitoring and verification measures remain in place, and that legitimate employment migration should not automatically be framed as a threat.
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