The Lagos State police have given residents assurances regarding their safety after a viral video appeared online, depicting a significant group of young individuals from northern Nigeria arriving in the state.
The footage, which emerged late Thursday into Friday morning, sparked confusion and apprehension in various areas of Lagos.
In a statement released on Friday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer for the police in the state, explained that the individuals featured in the video were brought to Lagos for employment purposes.
Hundeyin remarked, “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 receiving information on May 14, 2025, officers from the command were immediately dispatched to the site to verify the situation.”
He continued, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the young men, totaling eighty-nine (89), had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited to serve as laborers at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.”
A contractor associated with the refinery came forward to the police and confirmed that he had personally sourced these workers from Katsina for lawful employment.
Moreover, this account was corroborated by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the refinery, who confirmed that the laborers had been vetted and authorized for entry into the facility, where they would also reside.
He further stated, “The individuals were thoroughly searched, and no incriminating items were found in their possession. Additionally, each individual appropriately identified themselves and provided their National Identification Numbers (NINs), which were verified without issues.”
Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, appealed to the public to remain calm and to avoid disseminating unverified or sensational information that might cause unnecessary anxiety or panic.
He reiterated the command’s dedication to ensuring law and order throughout the state and assured that the police would continue to respond promptly to any public safety concerns.
