Pan-Atlantic University Lifts Lockdown After Video Of Suspected Bandits Triggers Overnight Security Sweep, Lagos Deploys Drones

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lekki, Lagos State, has declared its campus safe and directed students to resume normal academic and social activities after an intensive overnight security operation triggered by reports of suspected bandit-like men within the institution’s premises.

The development comes less than 24 hours after the university instructed students to remain indoors while a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy combed the campus and surrounding areas following security concerns.

In an emergency advisory issued late Tuesday, the university’s Student Council said it was working closely with the institution’s management and security authorities to ensure the safety of students as security operatives carried out a comprehensive sweep of the campus.

The advisory, addressed to all undergraduates, also acknowledged rising concerns over the presence of “unauthorised individuals” within the university premises.

However, on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, led operational personnel of the command on an on-the-spot security assessment visit to Pan-Atlantic University following the circulation of a viral video showing two masked individuals emerging from a forested area adjoining the institution.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, the visit was aimed at assessing the security situation and strengthening measures already put in place to safeguard lives and property within and around the university community.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi.

During the visit, CP Fatai met with the university’s management and stressed the need to continuously improve the institution’s security architecture in order to prevent future security breaches.

The police commissioner advised the management on practical measures to strengthen security across the campus and urged the institution to adopt more proactive approaches to safety.

“He advised on practical measures to tighten security across the institution. He also stressed the importance of avoiding acts of self-sabotage that could undermine existing security efforts,” Adebisi said.

As part of efforts to support ongoing security operations in the area, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), with the support of the Lagos State Government, has deployed surveillance drones to the axis.

According to the police, the drones will enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts within and around the university environment.

“The deployment, facilitated by the Lagos State Government, is aimed at strengthening aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and crime prevention within and around the area,” Adebisi said.

CP Fatai reassured the university management, staff, students and parents of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across Lagos State.

He further urged the institution to take proactive measures towards improving perimeter security, strengthening access control mechanisms and maintaining close collaboration with security agencies.

“CP Tijani reassured the management, staff, students, and parents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across Lagos State,” the statement said.

“He urged the institution to take proactive steps towards improving perimeter security, enhancing access control measures, and maintaining close collaboration with security agencies.”

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, public safety and security across the state and called on residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information. (SaharaReporters)