By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos State has warned members of the public against spreading false information, following distress messages sent to two private school officials in Ikeja from an unknown source.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, issued the warning in a statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in Lagos.

Jimoh’s warning came after false information was circulated to two private schools, alleging the presence of improvised explosive devices on the premises.

Adebisi said the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the affected schools independently reported the incident to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters.

“The reports were made at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday after they received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number.

“Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised a high-powered security team and personally led operatives to the schools for an on-the-spot assessment.

“The team comprised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units of the command,” she said.

Adebisi said that a thorough and painstaking security sweep of the school premises was conducted by EOD-CBRN experts.

“The operation covered classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other dangerous materials.

“No explosive or hazardous items were found, and the schools were subsequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities, ” she said.

The spokesperson said the CP frowned upon the false information, and had ordered an intensified investigation to trace, identify, and apprehend the individual or individuals behind the threat messages, with a view to bringing them to justice in accordance with the law.

The image maker said that combined teams of police personnel had been strategically deployed on a permanent basis to the schools to ensure round-the-clock security of students, staff, and facilities.

She reassured parents, guardians, school authorities, and the general public of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

Adebisi urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

“Report any suspicious activity or security concern to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870 and 09168630929,” Adebisi said. (NAN)