Lagos Police secure top schools after attack threats force closures

The Lagos State Police Command has deployed officers for permanent security detail at two prominent private schools in Ikeja following threats of attack from an unidentified source.

Grange School and Greensprings School (Anthony Campus) both temporarily suspended activities on Wednesday and Thursday after their management teams received alarming WhatsApp messages from an unknown number, prompting immediate safety measures.

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In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Grange School’s Head, Richard McMahon, announced that the school would not open the following day due to a “security-related concern.”

The letter, dated January 21, 2026, stated, “While there is no immediate danger, we have chosen to act responsibly by taking the matter seriously and putting all necessary safety measures in place. The school will use tomorrow (Thursday) to follow up fully with the appropriate authorities and receive official guidance.”

McMahon emphasized that the well-being of students and staff was the highest priority and that the school would monitor the situation with security agencies before deciding when to reopen.

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Similarly, Greensprings School’s Anthony Campus sent students home on Thursday to assess the security situation. An official confirmed that scheduled assessment examinations were cancelled due to the closure, with no clear timeline for the resumption of normal activities. It was also reported that a nearby institution, Avi-Cenna International School, was considering a similar temporary shutdown.

In a statement on Thursday, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the command had addressed the threat. After conducting a thorough security sweep of the premises, police declared the schools safe for students and staff to return.

“The Lagos State Police Command has once again demonstrated its commitment to the protection of lives and property following a swift, intelligence-led response to a security threat directed at some prominent private schools in Ikeja,” the statement read.

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According to the police report, the human resources manager and chief security officer of both schools independently reported receiving the threatening messages from the same unknown number on Tuesday, January 21, 2026.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full investigation to “trace, identify, and apprehend the sender(s) of the threat messages.”

As part of the response, specialized units, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) unit and the Rapid Response Squad, were mobilized to conduct a “painstaking and comprehensive sweep” of the school environments. The search yielded no explosives or hazardous materials.

“Combined teams of police personnel have been strategically deployed, on a permanent basis, to the affected schools to ensure round-the-clock safety of students, staff, and school facilities,” the command confirmed.

While assuring the public of its commitment to maintaining order, the police urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The Association of Private Educators in Nigeria also advised schools to enhance their security protocols in light of the incident.

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The Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) has confirmed it received assurances from the state government regarding the safety of schools following recent security concerns.

In a formal statement, the association detailed its communication with officials. “APEN has been in contact with Lagos State Government officials responsible for security regarding the safety of our schools,” the statement read. “We have been assured that the situation surrounding the threat received by two schools is under control.”

Despite the government’s assurances, the association urged its members to remain cautious. “Nevertheless, I recommend that we further strengthen and heighten security protocols across all our schools and remain vigilant.”

APEN concluded by promising to keep its member schools informed of any new developments. “We will continue to monitor developments and keep APEN schools up to date with any information.”