The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that no explosive device was discovered in two private schools located in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), dismissing recent bomb threats as false and misleading.
The clarification followed panic triggered by threatening WhatsApp messages sent from an unknown phone number, alleging that bombs had been planted within the school premises. The messages, received at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, forced the temporary closure of the affected schools from Wednesday.
Police sources disclosed that the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the schools separately reported the threats at the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters after receiving identical messages from the same number.
In response, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a coordinated security operation to the schools on Wednesday. The exercise involved operatives from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units.
Further strengthening the security response, the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, also visited the schools on Thursday to assess the situation.
Schools Declared Safe After Thorough Search
Confirming the outcome of the operation, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said EOD-CBRN experts conducted a detailed sweep of the entire school environment.
According to her, classrooms, offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding premises were carefully searched, with no trace of explosive devices, improvised explosive devices, or suspicious materials found.
“The operation yielded no explosive or hazardous device, and the schools were consequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities,” she said.
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Manhunt Launched for False Threat Suspects
The police have commenced an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individual(s) behind the false bomb threat. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to trace the phone number used and prosecute those responsible in line with the law.
To prevent further panic, security personnel have been permanently deployed to the affected schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and school facilities.
Police Reassure Parents, Public
The Lagos State Police Command reassured parents, guardians, school authorities, and residents that it remains proactive, responsive, and fully committed to maintaining peace, safety, and public order across the state.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious activity or security concern to the nearest police station or through the following emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929, the spokesperson stated.
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