The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false a bomb threat sent to two private schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), confirming that no explosive device was found after an extensive security sweep.
Police said the alarm was raised around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, when the schools’ Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer separately reported receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unknown number. The messages claimed explosives had been planted on the school premises, triggering panic and forcing the schools to shut down from Wednesday.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, personally led a joint security operation to the schools, deploying the EOD-CBRN Unit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams. A comprehensive sweep of classrooms, offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding areas found no explosives or suspicious items, and the schools were declared safe to reopen.
The police have launched a manhunt for the sender of the messages, with investigations intensified to trace the phone number and prosecute those responsible for the false alarm. Security personnel have also been deployed permanently to the schools to ensure round-the-clock safety.
Parents and the public were urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to report suspicious activities via the command’s emergency lines.
