The Lagos State Police Command disregarded a bomb threat addressed to two private schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA) on Thursday, stating that no explosive device was discovered following a thorough security scan of the premises.
Chronicle NG gathered that at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer of the schools (names withheld) separately reported to the Ikeja Divisional Headquarters that they had received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unknown number, alleging that explosive devices had been planted within the school compounds.
The development sparked alarm in the schools, causing them to close beginning Wednesday.
Meanwhile, detectives from the Lagos State Police Command have launched a manhunt for the sender of the bomb threat messages, as efforts are stepped up to trace the phone number and identify those responsible for the false alarm, with the goal of prosecuting them in accordance with the law.
On Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a team of operatives to the affected schools for an on-the-spot assessment, which included personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear EOD-CBRN Unit, the Rapid Response Squad RRS, and other tactical units.
Also, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade, paid a visit to the schools yesterday.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement, 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.
