On Tuesday night, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos told students to stay indoors after some men who appeared to be bandits were seen on campus.
The Student Council sent out the emergency advisory late Tuesday.
The university said it was working with the administration and security officials to keep students safe while security teams conducted a campus check.
The advisory, sent to all undergraduates, recognised that students were worried about “unauthorised individuals” being on campus.
“We are aware of the circulating concerns regarding reports of unauthorized individuals within the school premises,” the Student Council stated.
According to the council, the university had activated an extensive security response involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Navy.
“Campus authorities have been briefed and are managing the situation effectively. A comprehensive security deployment is currently active across the campus, featuring coordinated support from the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Navy,” the statement said.
As a precautionary measure, students were instructed not to leave their hostels until the university issues official clearance.
“Please stay within your respective hostels and avoid moving around the campus until further notice. We will issue an official ‘all-clear’ notification once the area has been secured,” the advisory added.
The university also informed students that they might hear gunfire or similar sounds during the ongoing operation, stressing that these sounds would result from controlled security activities rather than attacks on campus.
“You may hear sounds of activity, including controlled discharges, as security forces conduct a thorough sweep of campus green areas. These actions are part of a coordinated security operation; please remain calm and do not be alarmed,” the council said.
The institution further reassured students that the heavily armed security personnel seen across the campus had been deployed solely for their protection.
“Please be aware that the armed personnel currently visible on campus are there strictly for your protection and to ensure the restoration of a secure environment,” the statement read.
The Student Council also urged members of the university community to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the Campus Security Services department.
“Vigilance remains critical. If you observe any activity that appears unusual or suspicious, please report it immediately to the Campus Security Services department,” it said.
The council noted that university authorities were monitoring developments in real time and pledged to keep students informed through official communication channels as the situation evolves.
“The Student Council and the university administration are monitoring the situation in real time. We will provide updates through our official communication channels as new information becomes available,” the statement concluded.