LAGOS – The Lagos State Police Command has officially dismissed reports suggesting that bandits are planning to attack schools within the state, assuring parents, guardians, school authorities, and residents that there is no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat.
The command issued the clarification in response to circulating claims that a threat notice had been pasted on the walls of a school, alleging that bandits were plotting to carry out attacks on educational institutions in Lagos.
No Verified Intelligence – CP Fatai
In a statement released on [date], the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid panic, while emphasizing that every security concern is treated with the utmost seriousness.
"The command wishes to emphasise that Lagos State remains secure and that every lawful measure is being taken to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating or operating within the state," CP Fatai said.
He added that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of attack within Lagos State.
Security Measures Reinforced
Despite dismissing the reports, the police chief revealed that he has ordered an immediate assessment of the situation and directed watertight security measures across the affected areas and other strategic locations within the state.
According to the statement, police personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been deployed to ensure the safety of:
· Schools and educational institutions
· Critical infrastructure
· Communities across the state
Warning to Criminal Elements
CP Fatai issued a stern warning to would-be criminals, stating that 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," he said.
Call for Vigilance and Partnership
The police commissioner encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
"Security is a collective responsibility, and effective policing thrives on active partnership between the Police and members of the public," CP Fatai noted.
He urged residents to promptly report any suspicious persons, objects, movements, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency lines:
· 07061019374
· 08065154338
· 08063299264
· 08039344870
· 09168630929
Background: Heightened School Security Concerns
The police response comes amid heightened concerns over school safety in Nigeria, following previous incidents of mass kidnappings from educational institutions in other parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
While Lagos has remained relatively insulated from such attacks, the mere rumor of a planned incident was enough to spark anxiety among parents and school administrators, reflecting the lingering national trauma over school insecurity.
What Parents Should Do
Education authorities in the state have advised parents to remain calm and go about their normal activities while maintaining reasonable vigilance. Schools have been encouraged to review their existing security protocols but not to operate under a cloud of fear based on unverified claims.
Bottom Line
For now, the Lagos State Police Command has drawn a clear line: the rumored bandit attack on schools is not backed by intelligence, and the state remains secure. However, security agencies remain on high alert, and residents are urged to play their part by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command. No verified threat has been confirmed, and residents are advised to rely on official sources for security-related information.
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