Following security threats against schools in Ikeja, Lagos, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the permanent deployment of officers to Grange School and Greensprings School (Anthony Campus).
The threats, sent via WhatsApp from an unknown number, prompted the affected schools to temporarily close on Wednesday and Thursday.
Grange School’s Head, Richard McMahon, in a letter to parents on January 21, 2026, explained: “While there is no immediate danger, we have chosen to act responsibly and put all necessary safety measures in place. The school will use Thursday to follow up with authorities and receive official guidance. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority.”
Similarly, Greensprings School instructed students who arrived on Thursday to return home while assessing the security situation, causing scheduled examinations to be aborted. A nearby school, Avi-Cenna International School, also considered temporary closure.
In a statement, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that the threats had been neutralised following a security sweep: “The Lagos State Police Command conducted a comprehensive, intelligence-led operation, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal and CBRN experts, the Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams. No explosives or hazardous materials were found, and the schools are safe for continued academic and administrative activities.”
The Commissioner of Police has ordered investigations to trace, identify, and apprehend the sender(s) of the threats. Combined police teams have been deployed permanently to the schools to ensure round-the-clock protection for students, staff, and facilities.
Police also urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring the public of their commitment to safety and public order.
In response, the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) urged schools to heighten security protocols while acknowledging government assurances that the situation is under control. “APEN will continue to monitor developments and keep schools updated with any information,” the statement read.
Elijah Adeyemi
