The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Council were tear-gassed during their peaceful protest at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The command described the allegation as false, saying no tear gas was deployed against the retirees during the demonstration.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, adding that a viral photograph circulating online and allegedly showing pensioners being tear-gassed was artificially generated.

According to the police spokesperson, the image did not represent the actual events that occurred at the protest venue.

Police give account of NUP demonstration

Adebisi said about 500 members of the NUP Lagos Council gathered at the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, at about 8:30 a.m. on Monday for the protest.

She said the demonstration was led by NUP Chairman, Michael Omishade, alongside Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos Chairperson, Agnes Sessi.

The police spokesperson explained that security personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force, and nearby police formations were deployed to provide security and maintain public order.

She said the deployment was aimed at protecting both protesters and other residents in the area.

“The security operation was coordinated and led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations,” Adebisi stated.

Protest ended peacefully, police say

The police said the protesters were later addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde, before NUP officials moved into the Governor’s Conference Hall for an indoor meeting.

According to the command, the meeting lasted about three hours before the pensioners dispersed peacefully around 4:30 p.m.

The police said no incident was recorded throughout the exercise.

Police warn against misinformation

The command expressed concern over the circulation of the alleged tear gas image, warning that manipulated content could mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.

Adebisi urged residents to verify information before sharing online, particularly content involving security operations and public demonstrations.

She reiterated that the police respected citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, while emphasising that such activities must remain orderly and lawful.

The command encouraged members of the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, altered images or misleading social media posts.

Background Information

The use of artificial intelligence to create realistic images and videos has increased concerns about misinformation, especially during political demonstrations, security incidents and public events.

Authorities and digital media experts have increasingly urged citizens to verify online content before sharing, as manipulated images can quickly spread and influence public perception.

Nigeria has witnessed several debates over misinformation, particularly during protests and major national events where social media plays a significant role in information distribution.