The Lagos State Police Command has moved to calm growing anxiety among parents and school administrators following reports of a threatening message alleging plans by bandits to target schools and abduct students within the state.
The security alert, which reportedly surfaced after a notice was allegedly pasted at a school, sparked concern among residents and raised fears about the safety of pupils. However, the police have insisted that investigations conducted so far have not uncovered any credible intelligence suggesting an impending attack.
In a statement released on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said security agencies had carefully reviewed the reports and immediately implemented precautionary measures to safeguard educational institutions and surrounding communities.
“The Lagos State Police Command has seen reports of a threatening notice allegedly pasted at a school, claiming that bandits intend to attack and abduct school children.
“The Command wishes to reassure parents, guardians, school authorities, and all residents that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of such an attack within Lagos State,” the statement said.
Despite the absence of confirmed intelligence, the police said they are treating the matter with seriousness and have intensified security surveillance to ensure public confidence and prevent any security breach.
As part of the response, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, ordered a comprehensive security review and directed the deployment of additional personnel to schools, public facilities and other sensitive locations across the state.
According to the Command, officers have been mobilised in collaboration with other security agencies to reinforce protection around schools and maintain a visible security presence in vulnerable areas.
The police further stressed that Lagos remains safe and warned criminal elements against attempting to exploit public fears or threaten residents.
“The Command will not tolerate any attempt by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents.
“Any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic, or insecurity will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities or persons within their communities.
According to the police, community participation remains essential to effective crime prevention and public safety.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and effective policing thrives on active partnership between the Police and members of the public,” the statement added.
Residents were advised to contact the nearest police station or utilise the Command’s emergency channels whenever they observe unusual movements, suspicious objects or any activity capable of posing a threat to public safety.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the Command assured Lagosians that extensive measures remain in place to preserve peace and maintain security across the state.
“The public is once again assured that all hands are on deck to ensure the continued safety, security, and well-being of every resident of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The reassurance comes amid heightened national concern over attacks on schools in some parts of the country, with security authorities emphasising that proactive measures are being taken to ensure that educational institutions in Lagos remain secure and conducive for learning.
(Ripples)