The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that police officers tear-gassed members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council, during their protest at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that no tear-gas canister was fired throughout the duration of the protest.
In a statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Adebisi said about 500 NUP members commenced the peaceful protest at about 8:30 a.m., led by their Chairman, Comrade Michael Omishade, and NLC Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sesse.
According to the police, personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force and divisional formations within the area were deployed to maintain law and order and safeguard the protesters and other members of the public.
The operation was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
The protesters were subsequently addressed by the Lagos State Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, after which the NUP executives proceeded to an indoor meeting at the Governor’s Conference Hall.
The meeting lasted about three hours, while the protesters later dispersed peacefully at approximately 4:30 p.m., with the Command reporting that no adverse incident was recorded.
Reacting to the viral photograph purportedly showing security operatives tear-gassing the pensioners, SP Adebisi said the image was AI-generated and did not depict events at the protest venue.
“The Command is particularly concerned about the circulation of a photograph purportedly depicting the alleged tear-gassing of the retirees. The photograph in circulation is AI-generated and does not represent what transpired at the protest venue,” she stated.
The Police PRO urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information online, warning against the creation or amplification of unverified reports capable of misleading the public, generating unnecessary tension or undermining confidence in security institutions.
The Command also reiterated the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, to protecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
However, the CP stressed that such activities must remain peaceful, orderly and within the provisions of the law.
The Command therefore advised Lagos residents to rely on verified information from credible and authorised sources while avoiding the creation and circulation of misinformation, manipulated images and unverified social media posts.
The police assured residents and visitors that the Command remains committed to “policing with humility and integrity” while ensuring the safety and security of everyone across Lagos State.