NUP demands probe into Police assault, teargassing of Lagos pensioners

…asks IGP to identify officer who ordered action, demands payment of outstanding gratuities

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has demanded an investigation into the alleged police assault and tear-gassing of protesting pensioners in Lagos State, urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to identify the officer who ordered the action.

The pensioners were reportedly subjected to the police action on Monday, August 31, 2026, while protesting the non-payment of outstanding gratuities owed them by the Lagos State Government.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Godwin Amadin, the NUP condemned what it described as the “police brutality and assault” against the pensioners, saying they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The union questioned why the police would deploy tear gas against senior citizens who, according to it, had spent their productive years contributing to the development of the Lagos State public service.

ALSO READ: Fuel subsidy: Nigerians shouldn’t bear the cost of failed border security — Makinde

The NUP said it was particularly concerned that pensioners who had allegedly been denied their legitimate entitlements and subjected to “starvation, penury” and hardship were further confronted with what it described as intimidation and molestation while demanding their rights.

It therefore called on the IGP to conduct a “deep investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine who authorised the action against the pensioners.

The union asked: “Who actually gave such order to dehumanize pensioners, who caused no breach of peace and destroyed no life and property in the course of the peaceful protest?”

The NUP also drew a comparison with a recent protest by retired police officers at the premises of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) over alleged non-payment of their post-service entitlements.

It queried why the retired police officers were not subjected to similar treatment, asking, “Why were those ex-police officers not tear gassed?”

According to the union, the question was central to its demand for justice and accountability over the Lagos incident, insisting that those responsible for the alleged assault must be brought to book.

The NUP also reminded the police and other public institutions that “a worker today, is a pensioner, tomorrow,” warning that the treatment meted out to pensioners today could have consequences for workers when they retire.

Beyond the police action, the union renewed its call on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other governors owing pensioners outstanding gratuities and pensions to clear the arrears without further delay.

The NUP said prompt payment of pensioners’ entitlements would help prevent what it described as the “incessant cases of avoidable embarrassment, molestation, intimidation and unnecessary harassment” of pensioners demanding their legitimate benefits.