Lagos Police Command Stations Permanent Guards at Private Schools Following Security Threats

In response to anonymous threats targeting educational institutions in Ikeja, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh has mandated a permanent police presence at both Grange School and Greensprings School (Anthony Campus).

The administrative teams at these schools took the precautionary step of suspending physical classes on Wednesday and Thursday after receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from an unidentified source. Richard McMahon, the Head of Grange School, notified parents in a letter on January 21, 2026, explaining that the campus would remain closed on Thursday due to “security-related concerns.”

While McMahon clarified in his correspondence that there was no evidence of immediate peril, he emphasized that the school chose to prioritize the safety of students and staff by treating the threat with the utmost seriousness and activating comprehensive security protocols.

Grange School stated that it would utilize Thursday to consult with law enforcement and government agencies to obtain formal security clearance.

The administration underscored that the welfare of students, faculty, and families is their primary concern, noting that the brief shutdown was essential to verify that all safety measures were strictly implemented. Management further clarified that they are working closely with security operatives to assess the situation and will only announce a resumption date once it is deemed safe to do so.

In a parallel move, Greensprings School (Anthony Campus) turned back students who arrived on Thursday morning as administrators began an urgent security review. A school official confirmed that this disruption forced the cancellation of scheduled assessment examinations and noted that a definite timeline for resuming normal academic activities remains uncertain. The tension also spread to the nearby Avi-Cenna International School in Ikeja, which reportedly considered its own temporary shutdown.

However, the Lagos State Police Command intervened on Thursday to de-escalate the situation. Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi issued a statement confirming that the command had successfully neutralized the threat following a comprehensive sweep of the affected campuses. Declaring the schools safe for immediate use, the police emphasized that their rapid, intelligence-driven intervention underscores their commitment to the safety of educational institutions in the state.

The Lagos State Police Command revealed that the security alert began on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, when the Human Resources Managers and Chief Security Officers of the affected schools reported receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from the same anonymous source.

In response, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh has launched a full-scale investigation to track down and prosecute those behind the messages. To provide immediate reassurance, a specialized task force—including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and various tactical teams—was dispatched to conduct a thorough sweep of the campuses.

After a meticulous search of classrooms, offices, and playgrounds, experts confirmed that no explosives or hazardous materials were present. Consequently, the police have officially cleared the schools to reopen. To maintain ongoing security, permanent police detachments have been stationed at the schools to provide 24/7 protection for students and staff. The command concluded by urging the public to stay alert and report any unusual behavior to the authorities.

The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, assuring parents and school administrators that it remains proactive in maintaining order throughout the state.

Simultaneously, the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) confirmed it has received high-level assurances from the Lagos State Government that the current threat is under control. Despite these guarantees, APEN has advised all member schools to intensify their security protocols and maintain a state of high alert. The association pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and providing its members with real-time updates as new information emerges.