Denial of Tear-gassing Allegations

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council, were tear-gassed during their protest on Monday. The Command described a viral photograph purportedly showing the incident as AI-generated and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command clarified that no tear gas was fired at any point during the demonstration. The police maintained that the security presence was intended to ensure the safety of both the protesters and the general public.

Not a single canister of tear gas was fired throughout the duration of the protest.

— Lagos State Police Command

Protest Context and Security Measures

According to official police records, approximately 500 members of the NUP Lagos State Council staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja. The demonstration commenced at about 8:30 am on Monday, August 31, 2026, led by the NUP Chairman, Comrade Michael Omishade, and the NLC Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sesse.

To maintain law and order, the Command deployed several specialized units to the scene. These included operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force, and personnel from various divisional headquarters within the axis. The security operation was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations.

Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution

The situation at the Governor's Office transitioned from a demonstration to a formal dialogue when the protesters were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde. Following this initial engagement, the executives of the NUP were invited to an indoor meeting at the Governor’s Conference Hall.

The meeting reportedly lasted for approximately three hours. Following the conclusion of the discussions, the protesters dispersed peacefully at roughly 4:30 pm. The Command noted that the area remained calm throughout the day, with no adverse incidents or clashes recorded between security forces and the retirees.

Warning Against AI-Generated Misinformation

The Command expressed significant concern regarding the circulation of a photograph that appeared to show security personnel using tear gas against the elderly protesters. Technical assessments by the police concluded that the image was fabricated using artificial intelligence to mislead the public.

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.

— SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command

Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly. However, he warned against the creation and amplification of unverified information and manipulated media, stating that such actions undermine public confidence and create unnecessary tension. He urged residents to rely on verified information from credible and authorized sources.