The Grange and Avi-Cenna schools in Lagos have announced an urgent closure after receiving explosion threats.
The schools communicated their immediate shutdown of academic activities due to threats of an explosion in separate letters addressed to parents and guardians, seen by Peoples Gazette on Thursday.
A letter, signed by Paul Olubajo for Avi-Cenna School, addressed to parents and guardians, said, “We wish to inform you that we received a text message about a fire explosion threat.
“The police authorities were immediately informed, and they deployed their special unit with their devices to the school. After a thorough assessment of the entire premises, they confirmed that the premises are safe. However, school will remain closed for today.
“We are sharing this update to keep you informed and will share further updates as they become available. Kindly bear with us as we continue to strive to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and parents.”
Grange School announced a similar security threat in a letter dated January 21 and signed by its head, Richard McMahon.
“We are writing to inform you that the school will be closed tomorrow as a precautionary measure. Earlier this evening (Wednesday), the school received a security-related concern,” the school stated.
It explained that while “there is no immediate danger, we have chosen to act responsibly by taking the matter seriously and putting all necessary safety measures in place”.
The letter added, “The school will use tomorrow to follow up fully with the appropriate authorities and receive official guidance.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and this temporary closure allows us to ensure that all protocols are properly observed.”
Noting the disruption in the school’s academic activities, the letter said some teachers “may be able to conduct lessons online tomorrow (Thursday)”.
“This will be at the discretion of each teacher, and parents will be contacted directly if an online lesson is scheduled.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Further updates will be shared as soon as possible,” said Grange School.
Meanwhile the Lagos State Police Command following a swift, intelligence-led response to a security threat directed at some prominent private schools in Ikeja.
In a statement by the command spokeswoman , ASP Abímbólá Adebisi stated , “On Tuesday, 21st January, 2026, at about 16:00 hrs, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of both schools, situated within Ikeja, independently reported to Ikeja Divisional Headquarters that they received distress WhatsApp messages from the same unknown number.
(2) Upon receipt of the reports, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised and personally led a team of police operatives, including a team of experts from the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams, to the school premises for on-the-spot assessment and security reinforcement.
(3) A painstaking and comprehensive sweep of the entire school environment, including classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding premises, was conducted by the EOD-CBRN experts to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or any other dangerous or suspicious materials. The operation yielded no explosive or hazardous device, and the schools were consequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities.
(4) The Commissioner of Police has directed that the investigation be intensified to trace, identify, and apprehend the sender(s) of the threat message with a view to bringing them to justice in accordance with the law. While combined teams of police personnel have been strategically deployed on a permanent basis to the affected schools to ensure round-the-clock safety of students, staff, and school facilities.
(5) The Lagos State Police Command assures parents, guardians, school authorities, and the general public that the Command remains proactive, responsive, and fully committed to maintaining peace, safety, and public order across the State. Members of the public are enjoined to remain calm, vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities, while promptly reporting any suspicious activity or security concern to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870
