The Lagos State Police Command has said the 89 northerners seen arriving in the state were workers recruited for a job at the Dangote refinery in the Ibeju Lekki area.

Command's spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said this after residents raised the alarm over their arrival, fearing they may be terrorists fleeing the north.

Hundeyin stated that the identities of the 89 northerners were confirmed, adding that no incriminating material was found on them.
.
He said, "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 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, eighty-nine (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 (CSO) of the refinery, who also affirmed that the labourers were verified and cleared for entry into the facility and would be residing in the facility.

"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 (NINs), which were duly verified.

"The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP 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."

ASA