Police Deploy Operatives To Lagos Schools After Bandit Threat Notice

The Lagos State command of the Nigeria Police Force has stepped up security around schools and other strategic locations following the circulation of a threatening notice alleging a planned attack and abduction of schoolchildren by bandits.

Naija News reports that the notice, which was reportedly pasted at a school, caused anxiety among parents, school authorities and residents, amid fears that educational institutions could be targeted by kidnappers.

However, the police said preliminary security checks showed that there was no verified intelligence confirming an imminent attack in any part of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, had ordered an immediate security review across the state.

Adebisi said the police commissioner directed the deployment of additional personnel to schools, strategic locations and vulnerable communities as a precautionary measure.

She noted that the move was part of efforts to reassure residents and prevent any attempt by criminal elements to cause panic or threaten public safety.

“The Command wishes to reassure parents, guardians, school authorities and residents that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of such an attack within Lagos State,” Adebisi said.

She added that officers had been deployed in collaboration with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance and prevent criminals from infiltrating the state.

According to her, the command is treating the matter with seriousness, despite the absence of confirmed intelligence on any immediate threat.

The police warned kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups that Lagos State would not be allowed to become a safe ground for criminal activities.

The command said anyone found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic or insecurity would be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

It added that the police would continue to monitor schools, public places, residential areas and critical infrastructure to ensure the safety of residents.

The development comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools and abductions of students in some parts of the country, prompting security agencies to increase vigilance around learning institutions.

Meanwhile, Fatai urged residents not to panic but to remain alert and security-conscious.

He advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements, persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

The commissioner assured parents, guardians and school owners that all necessary measures had been put in place to protect schools, communities and critical facilities across the state.

He said the command would continue to work with sister security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace and public safety in Lagos.