PRESS RELEASE NUP PROTEST: NO TEAR GAS FIRED, CIRCULATING IMAGE IS AI-GENERATED

PRESS RELEASE NUP PROTEST: NO TEAR GAS FIRED, CIRCULATING IMAGE IS AI-GENERATED

The Lagos State Police Command wishes to debunk reports circulating on social media alleging 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, 31st August 2026.

The Command wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is false and misleading. Not a single canister of tear gas was fired throughout the duration of the protest. At about 08:30 am on Monday, 31st August 2026, approximately five hundred (500) members of the NUP, Lagos State Council, staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja.

The protesters were led by their Chairman, Comrade Michael Omishade, and the NLC Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sesse. In line with the constitutional responsibility of the Command, to maintain law and order, and ensure the safety of the protesters and other members of the public, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force, as well as personnel from divisional headquarters within the axis, were deployed to the area.

The security operation was coordinated and led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations. The protesters were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, after which the executives of the NUP proceeded to an indoor meeting at the Governor’s Conference Hall.

The meeting lasted approximately three hours. The protesters subsequently dispersed peacefully at about 04:30 pm, with the area remaining calm and no adverse incident recorded. 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. The Command therefore urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from creating, sharing, or amplifying unverified information capable of misleading the public, inciting unnecessary tension, or undermining public confidence.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, while ensuring that such activities remain peaceful, orderly, and within the ambit of the law.

He therefore enjoins members of the public to rely on verified information from credible and authorised sources and desist from creating or circulating misinformation, manipulated images, and unverified posts.

The Command remains committed to policing with humility and integrity, while ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the State.

SP ABIMBOLA ADEBISI, anipr, mipra,

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

LAGOS STATE COMMAND,

IKEJA.

1ST SEPTEMBER, 2026.