The Lagos State Police Command has denied reports that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council, were tear-gassed during their protest at the Lagos State Government area on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Command described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, insisting that no tear gas was fired throughout the duration of the protest.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said approximately 500 NUP members staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, at about 8:30 a.m.
The protesters were led by the NUP Lagos State Council Chairman, Comrade Michael Omishade, and the NLC Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sesse.
The police said personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force, as well as officers from divisional headquarters within the area, were deployed to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the protesters and other members of the public.
The security operation was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.
According to the Command, the protesters were 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 approximately three hours, while the protesters later dispersed peacefully at about 4:30 p.m., with the police reporting that no adverse incident was recorded.
The Command also addressed a photograph circulating online which purportedly showed retirees being tear-gassed during the protest.
It described the image as AI-generated, insisting that it did not represent events at the protest venue.
The police urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid creating, sharing or amplifying unverified information that could mislead the public, cause unnecessary tension or undermine confidence in security institutions.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression while ensuring that such activities remain orderly and within the law.
The Command advised residents to rely on information from verified and authorised sources and to desist from circulating misinformation, manipulated images and unverified social media posts.
It reiterated its commitment to policing with humility and integrity while ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors across Lagos State.
“Pensioners are suffering in Lagos State.” – Bolajoko Akinlagun.
Pensioners in Lagos have demanded payment of benefits owed to them for 16 years. After a day-long protest that saw some pensioners tear-gassed, they secured further talks with the governor. @_lolaololade reports. pic.twitter.com/b6thewzCTS
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) August 31, 2026
