Nigerian Soldiers Accused of Assaulting Electricity Workers Over Power Supply Issues

Second Attack in Recent Months Raises Concerns

For the second time in recent months, Nigerian military personnel have been accused of assaulting electricity distribution workers over power supply disputes. The latest incident occurred on March 14, 2025, when soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 15th Field Engineers Regiment in Topo Town, Badagry allegedly stormed the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco) Badagry Injection Substation and abducted two staff members.

According to Vanguard, the soldiers took the Distribution System Operator (DSO) and a Proton Security Officer from the facility and transported them to their barracks, where they were reportedly beaten. They were later released around 4 a.m.

The soldiers were reportedly frustrated over poor electricity supply to their barracks for the past week. However, the Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Oduntan, stated that the Commanding Officer of the barracks, Lt. Col. S. Lawan, had been duly informed of an ongoing Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) upgrade in Agbara, which was affecting power distribution in the area.

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Feeder Overload Leads to Power Failure

Oduntan explained that despite the upgrade, efforts were made to restore power supply to the barracks. However, the feeder tripped due to excess load, making it impossible to maintain stable electricity.

“Their claim was poor electricity supply to their barracks in the last one week, despite the fact that their Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. S. Lawan, was duly informed of the ongoing Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) upgrade in Agbara,” Oduntan said.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about military interference in the power sector and the safety of electricity workers across Nigeria.

Similar Attack by Nigerian Air Force Personnel in Ikeja

This latest attack follows a similar assault by Nigerian Air Force personnel on electricity workers in Ikeja, Lagos. In that incident, soldiers from the Nigerian Air Force Base allegedly vandalized the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric) head office and brutalized its staff after the base’s power supply was disconnected.

Reports indicate that the disconnection was due to unpaid electricity bills or technical maintenance issues, but military personnel reportedly resorted to violence rather than engaging in proper dispute resolution.

Growing Concerns Over Military Conduct

The repeated military attacks on electricity distribution workers have sparked widespread condemnation from industry stakeholders and human rights advocates. Many fear that if such incidents continue unchecked, they could escalate into a broader crisis, discouraging workers from performing their duties and affecting electricity distribution nationwide.

Stakeholders are calling on the federal government and the Nigerian military leadership to take urgent action to prevent further attacks and ensure that military personnel follow due process in resolving disputes.

Calls for Government Intervention

Electricity industry officials argue that military personnel should use formal complaint channels rather than resorting to violence. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Ministry of Power, and the Chief of Army Staff are being urged to:

• Investigate the attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
• Ensure military personnel respect civilian institutions and allow proper dispute resolution processes.
• Improve communication between the military and electricity distribution companies to prevent misunderstandings over power supply issues.

Oduntan also emphasized that violence against electricity workers could undermine efforts to improve Nigeria’s power sector, which is already struggling with aging infrastructure, inadequate generation capacity, and financial constraints.

“The repeated military interference in electricity distribution has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders, who are urging the government to intervene urgently to prevent further attacks on power sector workers.”

Ensuring the Safety of Electricity Workers

With two attacks in quick succession, there is a growing fear among electricity workers who are now facing threats from armed forces while trying to perform their duties. This situation not only affects worker morale but could also lead to work disruptions that would worsen the already unstable power supply across the country.

Stakeholders insist that military personnel must be educated on legal and regulatory frameworks governing electricity distribution. Proper training and discipline should be enforced to prevent future altercations between soldiers and power sector employees.

What Happens Next?

The federal government and military authorities have yet to release an official statement on these attacks. However, pressure is mounting for:

• An independent investigation into the recent attacks.
• Disciplinary action against those involved to deter further incidents.
• Stronger laws protecting electricity workers from assault and intimidation.

As Nigeria continues its efforts to reform the power sector, ensuring the safety and protection of electricity workers must become a priority. Without such measures, incidents like these could further destabilize the country’s already fragile electricity supply system.