The Nigerian electricity sector has been thrown into turmoil following a series of alarming attacks on electricity distribution companies (Discos) by military personnel. These incidents, occurring within a short span of time, have raised serious concerns about the safety of electricity workers and the potential for widespread disruption of power supply. The attacks, characterized by physical assaults, vandalism, and intimidation, have not only jeopardized the stability of the power sector but also exposed a troubling disregard for civilian authority by members of the armed forces. The apparent lack of action from the Federal Government, including the Presidency, the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff, has further exacerbated the situation, fueling fears of continued impunity and escalating tensions.
The first incident occurred on March 6, 2025, when personnel from the Nigerian Air Force stormed the corporate headquarters of Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) in Alausa, Lagos. The attack, reportedly prompted by a power outage at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base due to unpaid electricity bills amounting to N4 billion, involved the brutalization of IKEDC staff, including a PUNCH Newspapers correspondent and other journalists present at the scene. The military personnel, arriving in military trucks and OP-MESA vehicles, forcibly entered the premises, assaulted staff, and vandalized property. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, revealed the extent of the violence and destruction, raising serious questions about the military’s conduct and the apparent disregard for due process.
Just a week later, on March 14, 2025, another attack unfolded, this time targeting an Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry. In the early hours of the morning, Nigerian Army personnel invaded the substation, allegedly due to a power outage affecting their barracks. Two EKEDC employees, a Distribution System Operator (DSO) and a security officer, were abducted and taken to the nearby military barracks, where they were reportedly tortured and brutalized before being released hours later. This second attack, coming so soon after the IKEDC incident, underscored a disturbing pattern of military aggression towards electricity workers and facilities, further highlighting the vulnerability of the power sector to such unwarranted intrusions.
The repeated attacks have drawn strong condemnation from stakeholders in the electricity sector, particularly the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE). ANED CEO, Sunday Oduntan, expressed deep concern over the government’s silence on the matter, arguing that the lack of consequences for the perpetrators of the first attack emboldened the army to carry out the second. He criticized the continued presence of the implicated Air Force officers in their positions, emphasizing the need for decisive action from President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Air Staff to prevent further attacks. Oduntan also highlighted the threats he personally received following his outspoken criticism, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the potential for further escalation.
The NUEE, representing electricity workers, has issued a stern warning, threatening a nationwide service withdrawal if the assaults continue. The union’s statement condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of the threats and abuse faced by their members, particularly from military personnel. The NUEE demanded action from the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and dignity of their workforce, warning that failure to address the issue would result in a complete shutdown of electricity services across the country. This threat underscores the potential for a widespread power crisis should the situation remain unresolved, highlighting the urgent need for intervention from the highest levels of government.
The attacks on the Discos and the subsequent inaction by the Federal Government have raised alarming questions about the state of civil-military relations in Nigeria. The military’s apparent disregard for civilian authority, coupled with the government’s silence, has created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the power sector. The incidents also highlight the broader challenges facing the Nigerian electricity sector, including inadequate infrastructure, persistent power outages, and strained relationships between Discos and their customers. The attacks, however, represent a new and dangerous dimension to these challenges, threatening not only the stability of the power sector but also the rule of law and the safety of essential workers. The situation demands immediate and decisive action from the Federal Government to address the underlying issues, hold the perpetrators accountable, and prevent future attacks, thereby safeguarding the vital electricity infrastructure and ensuring the safety and security of electricity workers. A failure to act decisively risks further escalation, potentially leading to a nationwide blackout with far-reaching consequences for the Nigerian economy and society.
