“It is a direct threat to stability of power supply, economic well-being” Minister

“We demand independent investigation, prosecution of individuals involved, full restitution by the military” PowerUp Nigeria

Oredola Adeola

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, has condemned the recent vandalism, destruction, and forceful abduction of staff members of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) by the military, in separate incidents.

The Minister further described the actions of the uniformed men as not only unacceptable but also a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the country’s economic well-being.

Adelabu made these remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bolaji Tunji, his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, condemning the attacks that took place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, and Friday, March 14, 2025, targeting staff members of both DisCos.

While calling on the Nigerian Army to investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Minister also urged Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, to intervene by ensuring that security operatives adhere to lawful procedures.

He explained that such disputes should be resolved without resorting to violence, particularly in a democratic setting.

He specifically decried the brutalization of EKEDC staff and the destruction of facilities at a substation in Badagry, Lagos State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

It will be recalled that, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Nigerian Air Force personnel launched an attack on Ikeja Electric facilities at their headquarters in Ikeja and the Oshodi Business Units.

That incident resulted in extensive structural damage, destruction of equipment, and the temporary suspension of operations.

A similar attack occurred on Friday, March 14, 2025, following a temporary power outage, less than a week after the Nigerian Air Force’s assault on IKEDC personnel and infrastructure.

Adelabu described the electricity infrastructure as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a key driver of national development.

“Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions.

“The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces.”

The Minister further noted that the Nigerian Army’s attack on EKEDC facilities was emboldened by the Federal Government’s silence on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the Air Force.

“The NSA has to wade into this matter to forestall further attacks,” the Minister emphasized.

“This attack comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve.”

The Minister also urged the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitize its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure.

“The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggests a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency.”

While acknowledging the military’s crucial role in national security and asset protection, the Minister urged the armed forces to view the power sector as a partner in progress rather than an adversary.

“We encourage all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognize the importance of protecting our power infrastructure,” he appealed.

Adelabu, therefore, emphasized that these facilities are vital to Nigeria’s collective prosperity and that their destruction harms the entire nation.

PowerUp Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, has also joined the Minister to condemn the unprovoked attack on Ikeja Electric and EKEDC facilities by the Nigerian military.

Adetayo Adegbemle, Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, on his part, described the act as reckless, highlighting its significant damage to critical energy infrastructure, disruption of essential services, and threat to civilian lives.

The PowerUp boss called for an independent investigation, demanding a transparent and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack, with the findings made public.

He also urged the prosecution of individuals and entities responsible for authorizing or carrying out the assault.

Additionally, he called for full restitution by the Nigerian Airforce to compensate Ikeja Electric and affected communities for the damages incurred.

Adegbemle further recommended implementing concrete measures within the power sector to prevent future attacks on critical infrastructure, including clear protocols for military-civilian engagements.