A growing wave of concern is sweeping through Lagos and the wider South-West region following the recent discovery of a large group of over 100 men reportedly arriving from Katsina State and heading toward the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki. According to eyewitness footage circulating on social media, these individuals—young, able-bodied, and reportedly unskilled—claimed to be “looking for work” at the refinery, including menial jobs such as “cutting grass.”
However, security experts, civil society groups, and local leaders are raising red flags, citing the timing, scale, and manner of the migration as deeply suspicious—particularly given the ongoing banditry, insurgency, and rising ISWAP activity in the North, especially in Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger States.
“If these men were truly job seekers, why arrive in the dead of night in unregistered vehicles and in such massive numbers?” asked one Lagos-based security analyst. “We must learn from other nations that failed to act until it was too late.”
Historical Precedents and Present Risks
Lagos, and by extension the South-West, has remained Nigeria’s most secure and economically viable region despite rising insecurity across the country. But history has shown that conflicts elsewhere often migrate when not contained:
In Burkina Faso, a failure to address early infiltration by foreign fighters led to mass displacement and the eventual fall of rural areas to extremists.
In Kenya, sleeper cells of al-Shabaab operatives embedded in Somali migrant communities later carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack, killing 67 people.
In Central Mali, unchecked migrant settlements facilitated the expansion of jihadist groups who used religion and poverty as recruitment tools, destabilizing the once-peaceful Mopti region.
The Threat to Demographics and Democracy
Beyond security, there is an electoral dimension. With Nigeria’s compulsory National Identification Number (NIN) now integrated with voter registration, questions arise on how such massive undocumented populations are getting NIN cards and voter accreditation.
> “If these movements continue unchecked, it is not far-fetched to imagine that they may eventually tilt electoral demographics—disenfranchising the indigenous Yoruba population in future elections,” warned a former electoral officer in Lagos.
This trend mirrors concerns raised in 2015 and 2019, when certain parts of the North saw unexplained spikes in voter registration and bloc voting patterns.
Previous Attempts to Intervene
It’s not the first time such mass migrations have raised alarms. Under a former Lagos governor, buses were arranged to return large numbers of unskilled northern migrants to their home states, citing security concerns and the lack of integration plans. However, no federal framework currently regulates or investigates such cross-regional movements.
The Proximity to the Dangote Refinery
That these arrivals claim to be heading to the Dangote Refinery—the largest industrial complex in West Africa—raises further questions. While the refinery promises to be an economic game-changer, its size and strategic importance also make it a potential target for sabotage or infiltration. It is vital that its surrounding communities be carefully monitored.
Suggested Immediate Actions
1. Security Screening: The Lagos State Police Command, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Immigration Service, should begin immediate profiling and screening of new arrivals around the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
2. Audit of Workforce: The management of the Dangote Refinery should provide a list of contractors and subcontractors to account for all on-site and off-site workers.
3. Community Vigilance Groups: Local vigilante networks should be reactivated, supported, and closely coordinated with security agencies.
4. Federal Regulation: A joint Federal-States Border Migration Surveillance Task Force should be established to monitor and regulate inter-regional mass movement.
5. Suspension of NIN/INEC Registration in Conflict Zones: Until proper audits are conducted, registration of NINs and PVCs from conflict-heavy areas should be paused to prevent electoral abuse.
A Call to Action Before It’s Too Late
Yorubaland has thus far been spared the horrors of insurgency and banditry. But peace is never permanent unless guarded. If silence continues, rural skirmishes could evolve into full-scale terror cells, especially as ISWAP reportedly maintains forest encampments in parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Oyo.
> “A stitch in time saves nine,” says Dr. Amiida Adebayo, a conflict resolution expert. “The arrival of hundreds of unknown men at our industrial doorstep is not an accident—it’s a red flag. Either we act now or we react later under duress.”
Yorubas have historically been known for their hospitality and tolerance. But even in Ife, the legendary Oduduwa knew when to raise the shield, not just offer the calabash.
Conclusion:
This is not about ethnic profiling—it’s about preserving peace, ensuring security, and protecting the sovereignty of the region. It is a call for vigilance, accountability, and coordinated security actions. The time to act is not when the battle lines are drawn, but now—while peace still breathes in our forests, hamlets, and cities.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report
Comments
“Unseen Invasion? Suspicious Migrant Surge Near Dangote Refinery Raises Alarm in Lagos” This Dangote economic hit man for USA is pursuing a depopulation agenda for his benefactor USA with the collaboration of his friend – Bill Gates who is pumping all sorts of free vaccines into Nigeria to sterilize our females under the guise of one ailment prevention or the other. Dangote facilitated his navigation of the system to assist him donate all his depopulation goods. Such an unpatriotic element like Aliko Dangote should not have been allowed to set up shop in the SouthWest. That was a costly mistake for which the SW will pay dearly unless God intervenes and arrests Dangote. People are afraid to speak out. They all know what is happening. One can’t blame them anyway. Aliko’s larger than life image is only for some time. Things will change soon. The yoruba ancestors are not sleeping.
Elder Statesman.
“Lagos at Risk: Mass Arrival of Northern Migrants Sparks Fears of ISWAP Infiltration” The truth is bitter, I think there is some truth in this report. We are all aware of this problem but there are factors which hinders our ability to act. The instructions should come from the top and we will do our best to address the problem. It’s unfortunate that the situation was not controlled earlier due to interests. I trust IG shall take the necessary steps. He is a man of action. Former AIG. SW.
“From Katsina to Lekki: Growing Security Threat as Hundreds Flood Yoruba Land” May God save us. Tinubu should come to our rescue as Sanwo is busy womanizing. He is not doing his job. Lagos is full of criminals from other states. The police should start interrogating those hanging around junctions smoking and drinking and homeless. Let the police be proactive to prevent crime. Let them change their strategy. I hope this post reaches the IG. We need to act before it’s too late. We are all worried about 2027. In 2023, non- indigene votes affected us. A northerner even contested in Eti-Osa. This must never happen again as all those who voted for him, did not vote for Tinubu for the Presidential. He may be amongst those sponsoring Migrants to Lagos too. – Olufemi Adeyemi. Lecturer.
“Refinery or Red Flag? The Dangerous Silence Around Suspicious Movements in Lagos” Interesting article. I hope this report will generate the action it deserves. We can’t be lukewarm in this regard. It’s not only Ibeju Lekki but everywhere. Every Lical Government and every state in Yorubaland. Do you know how many millions are here already? They sleep on streets in Victoria Island, Adeola Odeku, Kasunmu Ekemode/ Saka Tinubu junction, Idowu Martin’s etc. These areas used to be the exclusive residential reserved area but are now infested with red eyed drug addicts & hemp smoking abokis. They don’t hide. Rate of crime is going up daily. State police is needed urgently. Let these people know that non- indigenes will not vote in yoruba states so they can stop the migration please. – The Ibos force our ladies to be their wives or mistresses so they can have a reason to remain in Yorubaland to influence politics even if they can’t vote. – Women & Community Leader.
“Southwest Under Watch: Hidden Advance Forces or Harmless Migrants?” –
No migrant can be harmless at a time like this. Nigeria is under invasion and Yorubaland also. It’s better to be proactive in security strategy especially in areas which are relatively safe. In security language, we ensure we obtain an all clear before we rest. I can see the Danger signs for many reasons I won’t write in this section. I like the work Headlinenews.news is doing. Create awareness and hopefully, those with the responsibility to act will do so. I hope something will be done sooner than later. Retired Intelligence officer.
“Voters or Vanguard? The Demographic Threat to Yoruba Political Survival”- House of Assembly must act in this regard immediately. Non- indigenes must not vote in Yorubaland or in any region. Let them go to their region if they want to vote. This constitution is archaic and ineffective so we can’t follow it like idiots. Everything has changed. Let our states house of Assembly be more active in view of the defective constitution. We can’t continue like this. I trust Tinubu will find a way around this. I hope so. – Activist from Yoruba Group.
“2027 Countdown: Suspicious Movements May Tilt Lagos Electoral Balance” – Ashiwaju should rescue Lagos now before its too late. I suspect these people have a plan for 2027, Ibos and Northerners. Let us plan ahead and shock them. They will never vote in Yorubaland in shaa Allahu. Please overhaul the police in Yorubaland and weed out the Northerners and Ibos because they are protecting their people in Yorubaland and not helping yoruba people. Please hurry up with State police and community policing. Let us do the needful pls. I know Ashiwaju of the Universe has something up his sleeve. He can’t be caught napping. As they are wise in the husband’s family, so are they wise in the wife’s family too. – Councillor, Lagos.
“Beyond the Ballot: Security Implications of Mass Migration to Lagos” Agree that this exodus of people from the North will influence our elections in 2027. Non- indigenes must not be allowed to vote. INEC must amend this for peace. If they are not allowed to vote by the house of Assembly bill, there will be peace. Even then, they will want to disrupt the peace of the communities in yorubaland. Only God can help us to spoil their plans. I wish Dangote’s Refinery can be relocated to Kano. Why did they allow him to set up in Lagos and produce cement in Ogun. We must stop this man from any further investment in yorubaland. He has an undisclosed agenda. He had a lot of problems with the Ogun State government before Abiodun who is his business associate. Amosu is a true son of Yorubaland. Abiodun is just an opportunist and businessman like Fashola. These people who sold out will regret it. – Politician.
“Democracy in Danger: How Unchecked Migration May Disenfranchise Indigenous Lagosians” – Further on this Dangote’s ill located project. I was in my village and the red flare of the gas, fumes, burning 24/7 from Dangote Refinery is not worth the money he is making. Lives are at stake. Since he commenced operations, people are falling ill everywhere. They said the environmental impact assessment he did is arranged & fake. We are still trying to treat our people and now this movement of Fulani people using the Dangote Refinery as a hideout? They said they want to cut grass. Does Aliko Dangote not know how to get Lawn mowers to cut grass? The economics of bringing hundreds of people every week into Yorubaland to cut grass, live, eat, be accommodated in face of high cost of living in cities doesn’t make sense. Dangote is a front for the agenda. These people are up to something sinister and must be stopped. – Auto Dealer, Lekki.
“The Numbers Are Coming: Electoral Storm Looming in the Heart of Yorubaland ” A stitch in time saves nine, they say. Are we waiting for these people to strike? Why is everybody watching them entering Lagos as they want? What for? It was a mistake for Fashola to have given Dangote that land. Dangote went round Nigeria begging for land to buy for his Refinery project. Ogun State, Ondo State, Akwa Ibom State, Delta, Edo States all turned down his juicy offer. Nobody wanted his poisoned chalice in Yorubaland. . Unfortunately, Fashola who is a greedy, selfish hustler accepted the bribe and dollars paid for the land by Aliko Dangote. Fashola sold out as he is not a son of Lagos but Ekiti. We are suffering today because of Fashola. If Dangote did not put his Refinery in Lagos to pollute and contaminate the air of a high density populated region against the international requirements for locating a Refinery, no Northern terrorist would use Dangote as an excuse to be in Lagos. Aliko knows the weakness of some greedy Yorubas. He tried it in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and failed woefully. Posterity will never forgive Fashola. Himself & family shall bear the curse of the innocent people whose lives will be characterized with cancer, tumors, deformed babies, short lives, respiratory diseases and all the health challenges which made the international community warn those building refineries to locate them in low density areas far away from the city. Never in the city. Generations of yorubas will have short lives in poor health. Fashola will be held responsible. God will judge him and his family. Wait and see.- Prophet Josiah.
“Act Now or Regret Later: Lagos Faces a Gathering Storm”- A fast growing cosmopolitan city which is envied by every state in Nigeria would always be a target for insurgents. We must not allow it to happen. We can’t afford it. Ibos, Hausas, Fulanis, should remain or return to develop their States as Trump sent people out of the USA to go and develop their Countries. It is the same here. Lagos House of Assembly should pass a bill regarding this migration issue amidst terrorism. The police knows the hotspots where these jobless abokis hang out. Taking drugs, smoking weed and operating at night to assist armed robbers. The security agencies are not proactive to raid them and dislodge their cell. They are already terrorizing Lagosians. Something must be done. If the Migrant does not have a contract letter of appointment, a confirmed job or accommodation, they must be sent back immediately to the North or East. Lagos must act now. Civil Servant.
“The Quiet Takeover: Why the South-West Must Wake Up Now” We have discussed this matter extensively at the recently concluded SouthWest Security Summit held in Oyo State. The communique was published. Every Yoruba person & community should be active & observant now. We must protect our people and land from terrorists. They start little by little until they are enough to take over. Some bad elements in the security agencies are with them. Boko Haram agents are in the Police Force. We must remember this. This report is an eye opener and wake up call for all Yoruba communities. We need to stop this non- chalant attitude. Reach the police force, if no response, reach the media and social media. Communicate. Dont stay quiet please. Lets stop this migration now. Please act now. – Amotekun commander.
“Red Alert in Lekki: The Infiltration Nobody Wants to Talk About”- It is a fact and the security agencies are aware, but it seems as if they are helpless. The Nigerian Police is full of Northern officers and are all involved in this plan. An example was some abokis pushing trucks arrested for stealing and one ASP Mukaila from Milverton Police Station Ikoyi stormed the police station and demanded for the DPO, who was not on seat, he demanded for the Ops officer and warned him seriously, threatening him that the Northerners arrested must be released immediately no matter the crime committed. He said they are in Lagos to find what to eat and should be released or the officer would be disciplined. The officer had no choice as he lamented but to release them. The complainant was told categorically that the case couldn’t be pursued as the culprits have been released from an order above. This is the typical scenario for any Northerner who commits a crime in Yorubaland. Even those who kill farmers are released immediately. It’s a silent rule that Northerners must not be arrested or detained in the South. We hope now a Yorubaman is the President if it will be the same because of the number of Northerners in the Police. This imbalance must be corrected immediately and Yorubas must be recruited, State policing needs to be implemented immediately to support Amotekun. That syndicate in the Police force protecting Northern bandits & terrorists must be dismissed from the force. People like ASP Mukaila of Milverton Police Station must be dismissed from the force. He got that DPO who stalled the release of those terrorists removed from office. We must act now. – Dr. Babatunde Olukoya.
“Peaceful But Not Prepared: How the South-West Could Lose It All” Absolutely true. This is obviously the beginning of some hidden agenda to unfold later. Yorubas are not stupid, thanks for raising this alert. It’s the responsibility of each yoruba person to take care of the security of the community. We must start from now. When you notice anything or anyone suspicious, please alert the public, police or media like Headlinenews.news who transmit unbiased objective reportage. We need to be observant now. Yorubaland is calm compared to the North. The criminals there are being directed to relocate to the Southwest for more lucrative business. The Yoruba State Governors should start sending them back with their trucks.- Traditional Ruler.
“Security by Complacency? The Hidden Threats Brewing in Peaceful Lagos” Interesting report. What exactly is the police & dss doing in Lagos now? This is enough evidence to raid Dangote Refinery and put in place special task force to check this migration due to insecurity. We can’t just allow people to move into Lagos anyhow. If this remains unchecked, investors and companies will leave Lagos and the revenue of Lagos will be reduced. The Northern bandits have found another way to destroy the Southwest. I hope the security agencies will be proactive this time and protect yorubaland from insurgents. – Prof. Olawale.
