Alleged Video of Boko Haram Movement to Lagos: Police Identify Them as Genuine Casual Workers Employed by Dangote Refinery
By Raheem Ibrahim
Contrary to speculation sparked by a viral video suggesting the mass movement of Boko Haram members to Lagos, the Lagos State Police Command has debunked the claim, clarifying that the individuals captured in the footage are genuine casual workers employed by the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.
Reacting to the widely circulated video on social media, the police confirmed that the northern youths in question were legitimately recruited for jobs at the Dangote Refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki area of the state.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, it was explained:
“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 the state.”
According to SP Hundeyin, officers were immediately deployed to the scene upon receiving the information on May 14, 2025. Preliminary investigations revealed that the 89 young men in question had arrived from Katsina State and were recruited to work as labourers at the Dangote Refinery.
A contractor associated with the refinery appeared before the police and confirmed that he had personally sourced and brought the labourers from Katsina for legitimate employment. His statement was corroborated by the refinery’s Chief Security Officer, who verified that the workers had been cleared and approved to reside within the facility.
“The individuals were thoroughly searched, and no incriminating items were found in their possession,” the statement added. “Furthermore, each person properly identified themselves and presented their National Identification Numbers, which were duly verified.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Olatunji Jimoh, urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified or alarmist content that could incite unnecessary tension. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the state and responding swiftly to any issue affecting public safety.
One of the young men, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed:
“I’m not from Katsina. Some of us are from different states, though we set out from Katsina. We are here for just a two-week job. We were told it’s a temporary job and that permanent roles are reserved for members of the host community. After two weeks, we will return to our states.”
Another source confirmed that the workers were contracted for seasonal, temporary jobs that would only last for two weeks.
