The Lagos State Police Command has identified a suspect allegedly responsible for the attack scare messages sent to three private schools in the state, assuring residents that no explosive devices were planted and that all schools are safe.
Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, disclosed that the suspect, Kosisochukwu Ogunwa, is currently being trailed by detectives and will be prosecuted upon arrest for causing public panic and issuing false security threats.
Moshood explained that the suspect sent anonymous WhatsApp messages to school officials, claiming that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been planted within the premises of the affected schools.
The messages, received at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, were sent to the Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer of the schools from the same unknown phone number.
Following the threats, the Commissioner of Police immediately mobilised a high-powered tactical team, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other counter-terrorism operatives.
The schools primarily involved in the security operation were Grange School and Avi-Cenna International School, both in Ikeja, while a third private institution, Charterhouse School in Ogombo, Eti-Osa, also received a similar threat.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives conducted extensive searches of classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds and surrounding areas.
“No explosive or hazardous materials were found during the painstaking and comprehensive search,” Adebisi said.
Although the schools were declared safe for academic activities, the police have approved the 24-hour deployment of combined security teams to the affected schools as a precautionary measure.
Commissioner Moshood reiterated that investigations have confirmed the threats were intended to cause panic, adding that security across Lagos schools remains intact.
Parents and guardians have been urged to remain calm as normal academic activities continue under enhanced security surveillance.
