The Lagos State Police Command has officially cleared schools across the metropolitan area following a wave of panic triggered by rumours of explosive devices. After a thorough sweep of several institutions today, Thursday, 22 January 2026, the police confirmed that no bombs were found and the threats were likely a “coordinated hoax” designed to cause public alarm.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, urged parents and school authorities to remain calm but vigilant as normal academic activities resumed.
The alarm began early this morning when several high-profile schools in Lekki, Ikeja, and Surulere received anonymous digital threats. The Anti-Bomb Squad (EOD-CBRN) was immediately deployed to the affected areas.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, along with K-9 units, conducted room-by-room searches of the campuses. By 2:00 PM local time, the Police Command issued a “Clean Bill of Health” for all schools, stating that the intelligence gathered pointed to a mischievous attempt to disrupt the city’s peace.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has condemned the act, calling it an “attack on the psychological well-being of our children.”
The police have launched a manhunt for the origin of the threats, which were reportedly sent via encrypted messaging platforms.
Many private and public schools have announced they will increase their private security presence and introduce stricter visitor-screening measures for the remainder of the term.
While schools were initially evacuated, most parents have since been reassured that it is safe to return for school pickups.
“We want to assure Lagosians that our children are safe. The EOD teams found nothing of an explosive nature. These rumors are the work of agents of distraction. We are working with telecommunications providers to track the sources of these malicious messages.” –Lagos State Police Command
