The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday dismissed as unfounded a bomb threat sent to two private schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), stating that no explosive device was discovered after an extensive security search of the premises.
Reports indicated that at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the schools (names withheld) separately lodged complaints at the Ikeja Divisional Headquarters. They reported receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number, claiming that explosives had been planted within the school compounds.
The incident sparked panic, leading to the closure of the schools from Wednesday.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have commenced a manhunt for the individual(s) responsible for sending the threat messages. The command said efforts were being intensified to trace the phone number and uncover the identity of those behind the false alert, with the aim of prosecuting them in line with the law.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a team comprising officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams to the affected schools on Wednesday for an immediate on-the-ground assessment.
In addition, the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, also visited the schools on Thursday.
In a statement, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said: “A painstaking and comprehensive sweep of the entire school environment, including classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds and surrounding premises, was conducted by the EOD-CBRN experts to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or any other dangerous or suspicious materials. The operation yielded no explosive or hazardous device, and the schools were consequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the investigation be intensified to trace, identify and apprehend the sender(s) of the threat message with a view to bringing them to justice in accordance with the law, while combined teams of police personnel have been strategically deployed on a permanent basis to the affected schools to ensure round-the-clock safety of students, staff and school facilities.
“The Lagos State Police Command assures parents, guardians, school authorities and the general public that the Command remains proactive, responsive and fully committed to maintaining peace, safety and public order across the state. Members of the public are enjoined to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity or security concern to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870 and 09168630929”, she stated.