By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports of a planned bandit attack on schools in the state, assuring residents that there is no credible intelligence indicating any imminent threat to pupils or educational institutions.

The reassurance followed the circulation of a notice allegedly pasted at a school, warning of a planned attack and abduction of students by suspected bandits.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the Command had activated enhanced security measures and commenced an assessment of the situation to prevent any threat to public safety.

Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, had ordered the immediate deployment of police personnel and other security assets to the affected area and other strategic locations across the state.

According to her, security operatives have also been deployed around schools, critical infrastructure and communities as part of efforts to reassure residents and forestall any security breach.

She maintained that there was presently no verified intelligence suggesting an impending attack in Lagos, urging parents, guardians and school authorities not to panic.

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

The police spokesperson reiterated that Lagos remains safe and warned criminal elements against any attempt to disrupt public peace or create fear among residents.

She added that individuals found spreading panic or engaging in activities capable of undermining security would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

While calling on residents to remain vigilant, the Command urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies.

Adebisi stressed that effective security depends on cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public, assuring residents that all necessary measures were being taken to guarantee the safety of lives and property across the state.