Lagos Schools Threat: Police Arrest Lone Suspect, Establish School Protection Squad
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a lone suspect behind the recent threat messages sent to some schools in Lagos, assuring residents that no explosives or dangerous weapons were found in any of the affected institutions.
The suspect, identified as Osisochukwu Chukwuemeyen, was discovered to have acted alone. Investigations revealed that he was exposed through his mobile phone, which he initially claimed had been stolen in November 2025.
Speaking while rolling out the Command’s achievements for the first month of 2026, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed that the Command has established a School Protection Squad (SPS) to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to CP Jimoh, on January 21, 2026, three schools—two within Ikeja GRA and one in Ogombo—received threat messages from the same phone number, 08103723478. The messages warned of fire and bomb explosions and advised that students be evacuated.
He said:
“I personally, alongside my operations team, including the Area Commander, Ikeja; the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit; the Counter-Terrorism Unit; the Tactical Squad; and other formations of the Nigeria Police, swiftly moved in. We conducted on-the-spot assessments of the school environments, and no incriminating or explosive materials were found. The schools were declared safe, and I personally assured the managements that there was no cause for alarm. The same process was carried out at the Ogombo school.”
The Police Commissioner commended the Command’s Technical Intelligence Unit for successfully tracking and arresting the suspect, who resides at 20, Dr. Fasheun Street, Okota, Lagos.
CP Jimoh further explained that during interrogation, the suspect claimed he lost his phone in November 2025. However, investigations showed that the SIM card continued to receive calls throughout the period, including January when the threat messages were sent.
“These calls were from his mother, relatives, and other close associates. If you claim you lost your phone and SIM card in November 2025, how do you explain receiving calls continuously up to the time the threats were sent?” he queried.
He added:
“Everything pointed to him. The SIM card he claimed was lost was recovered from him. This shows that he single-handedly took the law into his own hands, causing panic and fear among parents and school authorities. Investigations are ongoing, and he will be prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The CP warned individuals or groups against engaging in similar acts, stressing that the full weight of the law would be applied to anyone found culpable.
On school safety, CP Jimoh disclosed that the School Protection Squad, established by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has been strengthened across the state.
“The squad covers the three senatorial districts—Lagos East, Lagos West, and Lagos Central. The headquarters are located in Ikorodu for Lagos East, Idimu for Lagos West, and the Lion Building on Lagos Island for Lagos Central. The operations have been strengthened to cover every nook and cranny of Lagos State. As we speak, Lagos is safe, and our schools are safe.”
Meanwhile, the Police Command also announced the arrest of three elderly men and one elderly woman who specialize in using commercial tricycles (popularly known as kabu-kabu) to carry out one-chance robberies.
It was recalled that some members of the gang had been arrested earlier this year, while the newly apprehended suspects—aged between 60 and 66 years—operated along Oshodi–Iyana Ipaja, Alagbado, and Gowon Estate, mostly during rush hours.
According to CP Jimoh, the gang typically operates in groups of three or four, luring passengers into their vehicles, diverting them to secluded areas, and robbing them of their belongings. Victims without valuables are often beaten or pushed out of moving vehicles, sometimes sustaining serious injuries.
The Police Commissioner advised members of the public to be vigilant at motor parks and bus stops.
Recovered items from various suspects include fake foreign and local currencies, operational and stolen vehicles, arms, and ammunition. CP Jimoh confirmed that all suspects will be prosecuted accordingly.
