Personnel of the Nigerian Military stormed the offices of Ikeja Electric in Lagos State, allegedly in response to the disconnection of electricity at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) logistics base in Ikeja.
https://x.com/GuardianNigeria/status/1897566364224688399
Sources gathered that armed military personnel forced their way into Ikeja Electric’s office on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, disrupting operations and reportedly assaulting staff. Videos obtained by journalists showed uniformed officers forcing at least seven employees to kneel, while others were allegedly beaten.
A similar incident reportedly occurred at the company’s headquarters in Ikeja, escalating tensions between Ikeja Electric and the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base.
Power Disconnection Sparks Crisis
The military base has been without electricity for two weeks after Ikeja Electric disconnected its supply over an unpaid debt running into millions of naira. Sources claim there was an agreement for NAF to pay ₦60 million monthly for 10 to 12 hours of daily electricity, but the prolonged outage has compromised security at the base.
One insider expressed concern over the rising temperatures in the base’s operational warehouse, which houses high-caliber armaments, warning that the situation could pose a serious security risk.
However, Ikeja Electric maintains that NAF has not fulfilled its financial obligations, making it impossible to restore power.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Staff
Following the military invasion, many Ikeja Electric employees have gone into hiding. A staff member, speaking anonymously, stated:
“Our managers are unreachable, and many colleagues who resumed work on Thursday have disappeared. This is unlawful and disgraceful—how can the military invade a company in a civil society?”
At the time of this report, Ikeja Electric offices remained shut, and the situation remains unresolved.
