The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed viral social media claims alleging planned terrorist attacks and mass kidnappings targeting schools across the state, describing the reports as false and designed to cause panic.
The clarification comes after a wave of alarm spread across Lagos following anonymous threat messages circulated to several schools, particularly in the Ikeja and Ogombo areas. The messages triggered fear among parents, some of whom reportedly withdrew their children from school prematurely.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said intelligence assessments showed no indication of any planned attack or criminal capability behind the viral claims.
Speaking at a briefing in Ikeja, he said police investigations had so far confirmed the messages to be a coordinated hoax intended to cause public disorder.
“We have thoroughly investigated the source of these panic-inducing broadcasts and found no credible threat or operational plan behind them,” he said. “Efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible.”
In response to the panic, the command has activated its Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a specialised security unit assigned to strengthen surveillance around educational institutions across the state.
The unit will carry out visible patrols around school environments during peak hours, maintain rapid-response links with school authorities, and coordinate with private security personnel and community vigilantes to monitor access points.
Police said the move is aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring a secure learning environment for students and staff.
The command also warned school administrators and residents against circulating unverified security information, urging the public to rely only on official police communication channels.
Authorities stressed that spreading false security alerts constitutes a criminal offence under cybercrime laws and can lead to prosecution, noting that such misinformation diverts security resources and fuels unnecessary panic.
Despite the earlier disruption, academic activities have resumed across affected areas, while police intelligence units remain deployed to monitor school environments and track the origin of the fake messages.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding educational institutions and urged continued cooperation from the public in reporting genuine security concerns.