NUP PROTEST: POLICE DID NOT FIRE TEAR GAS, CIRCULATING IMAGE IS AI-GENERATED
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council, were tear-gassed during their peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Command described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that no tear-gas canister was fired throughout the duration of the protest.
According to the police, about 500 NUP members, led by the union’s Chairman, Comrade Michael Omishade, and NLC Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sesse, commenced a peaceful protest at the Lagos State Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, at about 8:30am.
The Command said security personnel were deployed to the area to maintain law and order and protect the protesters and other members of the public.
The deployment comprised operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force and personnel from divisional police headquarters within the area. The operation was coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
The protesters were subsequently addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, after which the NUP executives proceeded to the Governor’s Conference Hall for an indoor meeting.
The meeting lasted about three hours, while the protesters later dispersed peacefully at approximately 4:30pm, with the police reporting that no adverse incident was recorded.
The Command also addressed the circulation of a photograph purportedly showing retirees being tear-gassed during the protest, describing the image as AI-generated and insisting that it did not depict events at the protest venue.
The police urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid creating, sharing or amplifying unverified information capable of misleading the public, causing unnecessary tension or eroding confidence in law enforcement.
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 are conducted peacefully, orderly and within the law.
He advised residents to rely on information from credible and authorised sources and refrain from circulating misinformation, manipulated images and unverified claims.
The Command reiterated its commitment to policing with humility and integrity while ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors across Lagos State.
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