The Command also announced the dismantling of a notorious catch-in-the-air criminal group, commonly known as “one-chance”, which has been operating in different parts of the state, with 21 suspects arrested so far.
According to findings, at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the affected schools (names withheld) separately reported at the Ikeja Divisional Headquarters that they received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number. The messages claimed that explosive devices had been planted within the school premises.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday. He stated that the police immediately deployed personnel, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and other tactical teams, to the schools.
He explained that “No explosive device was found and the schools were immediately declared safe. Police investigations led to the arrest of Kosiso Ogumbo, a resident of Okota, identified as the sender of the threat messages.”
Although the suspect claimed that his phone had been missing since November 2025, investigations showed that he continued to receive calls from family members during the period the threats were sent. The SIM card used was also recovered from him.
“This individual acted alone and deliberately attempted to cause panic among parents and school authorities. He will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the CP said.
‘One Chance’
Meanwhile, the police recovered 25 vehicles in January 2026 alone, six of which were used by the ‘one chance’ syndicate. The Commissioner attributed this success to sustained intelligence-driven policing and cooperation from the public.
He further revealed that eight more members of the one chance gang were recently apprehended, bringing the total number of suspects to 21. Four additional operational vehicles were also recovered to complement earlier seizures.
According to the CP, “These criminals deployed at least six vehicles across different parts of Lagos to pick unsuspecting victims. They lure victims under false pretense, rob them, and in some cases take them to shrines in Egbeda to swear oaths, while others are forced into ransom situations.”
He described the group as a “double-edged” criminal network, noting that compliant victims were robbed and released, while those who resisted were detained and their families contacted for ransom under the pretense of kidnapping.
“All the suspects have confessed to the crime. Some victims have also come forward to identify them. Investigation is ongoing and they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he added.
Among the 25 recovered vehicles, linked to offenses such as robbery, fraud, and theft, was a 2007 Toyota Camry with registration number ABJ 582 LB. The vehicle was reportedly stolen in the early hours of January 25, 2026, after the owner left the engine running while entering a supermarket.
The suspect, Jaffon Godspeed, was later arrested, and the vehicle was recovered the next day during a stop-and-search operation in the area.
Additionally, the CP announced the reinforcement of the School Protection Squad established by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to cover Lagos East, West, and Central districts. The squad’s headquarters are located in Ikorodu (East), Igando (West), and the Lion Building, Lagos Island (Central).
He also disclosed the deployment of the Eko-Strike Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and a newly created Nightlife Patrol Squad to improve security around entertainment centres, hotels, and recreational facilities across Lagos.
Furthermore, operatives of the Command intercepted three suspected vandals who removed 154 electronic reflective markers from the Third Mainland Bridge during routine patrols.
“The suspects have been charged to court”, he said, adding that “The entire Lagos State is safe. Residents, investors and visitors are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear”.
He praised officers and personnel of the Command for their commitment and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to safeguard lives, property, and investments in Lagos State.