The Lagos State Police Command has dispelled public concern over a viral video showing dozens of young men arriving in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, clarifying that the individuals were recruited as labourers for the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the 89 men arrived from Katsina State and were lawfully engaged for employment at the refinery.
“Upon receiving information about the group’s arrival on May 14, 2025, officers were immediately deployed to verify the situation. Our findings revealed that they are workers recruited for legitimate employment at the Dangote Refinery,” Hundeyin said.
According to the police, both the contractor who facilitated the recruitment and the refinery’s Chief Security Officer confirmed the legitimacy of the arrangement. The contractor reportedly appeared before the authorities and affirmed that he personally coordinated the transportation and employment of the workers.
“All individuals were thoroughly searched, and no illegal items were found in their possession,” the police spokesperson stated. “They also presented valid identification, including their National Identification Numbers (NINs), which were verified by the authorities.”
In response to growing public anxiety triggered by the video, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
“We urge members of the public to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it, especially when it concerns public safety. The Command is fully committed to maintaining peace and responding swiftly to any security concerns,” the Commissioner said.
The police reiterated their call for responsible use of social media and warned against the spread of alarmist content that could incite fear or misinformation.