The Lagos State Police Command has begun a full investigation into threatening WhatsApp messages sent to some private schools in Ikeja, Lagos, raising fears among parents, students, and school officials before the situation was brought under control.
The threat, which was reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, caused concern after school authorities received distress messages from an unknown phone number. The messages were sent to two prominent private schools located within the Ikeja area of the state.
According to the police, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the affected schools separately reported the messages to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters at about 4:00 pm. The reports indicated that the same phone number sent the threatening messages to both schools, suggesting a coordinated act.
Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, ordered an immediate response. He personally led a team of police officers and security experts to the schools to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The police team included officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit (EOD-CBRN), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units of the command.
The presence of the Commissioner of Police at the scene was seen as a strong signal of the seriousness with which the Lagos State Police Command treated the threat. Security was tightened around the schools as officers carried out a detailed operation to rule out any danger.
After the operation, the police confirmed that no explosive devices or dangerous items were found in either of the schools. The premises were declared safe, and academic and administrative activities were allowed to continue.
Parents and guardians who had been worried about the safety of their children were later reassured by school authorities and the police that there was no immediate danger.
Following the successful security operation, CP Olohundare Jimoh directed that investigations be intensified to track down the person or persons behind the threat messages. The police said efforts were ongoing to trace the phone number used to send the WhatsApp messages and identify those responsible.
The Commissioner also ordered the deployment of police officers to the affected schools on a permanent basis. This measure is aimed at providing round-the-clock security and preventing any further threats or panic.
According to the police, the suspects, once arrested, will be charged in line with the law.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin (represented in the release by SP Abimbola Adebisi), the Lagos State Police Command assured parents, school owners, and residents that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that there was no cause for panic. Residents were encouraged to go about their lawful activities while staying alert and reporting any suspicious movements or messages to the nearest police station.
Emergency contact numbers were also shared for quick reporting of security concerns. These include 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
The incident has once again raised concerns about school security in Nigeria’s commercial capital. In recent years, there has been growing attention on the safety of students, especially in private and public schools across the country.
Although Lagos State has not experienced the level of school attacks recorded in some other parts of Nigeria, security agencies have continued to stress the need for vigilance. False threats, hoaxes, and panic messages sent through social media platforms like WhatsApp have become more common and can cause fear even when no real danger exists.
Police authorities praised the school officials for promptly reporting the messages instead of trying to handle the situation alone. According to security experts, early reporting allows law enforcement agencies to respond quickly and prevent harm.
Parents have also been advised to educate their children on the importance of reporting anything unusual they notice in or around their schools.
The Lagos State Police Command has in recent years invested in rapid response strategies, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with other security agencies to maintain peace in the state. The use of specialised units such as the EOD-CBRN and the Rapid Response Squad has helped the police respond quickly to emergency situations.
CP Olohundare Jimoh, since assuming office, has repeatedly emphasised the importance of visible policing, community engagement, and quick response to distress calls. His decision to personally lead the operation in Ikeja reflects this approach.
Following the incident, many Lagos residents took to social media to commend the police for their swift action. Some parents, however, called for stronger measures to prevent such threats in the future, including better monitoring of digital platforms and closer cooperation between schools and security agencies.
Education stakeholders have also urged the government to continue supporting school safety initiatives, including regular security checks and emergency preparedness drills.
As investigations continue, the police have reiterated their warning to individuals who spread false threats or attempt to cause panic. Such actions, they say, are criminal and will be punished accordingly.
For now, calm has returned to the affected schools in Ikeja, with police officers maintaining a visible presence. Parents and students have resumed normal activities, reassured by the police declaration that the schools are safe.
