Armed military personnel stormed the offices of Ikeja Electric in Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday, assaulting staff members in retaliation for the company’s disconnection of power to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) logistics base in Ikeja.
The invasion, which occurred at the Ago Palace Way office in Okota, Isolo, saw uniformed officers force their way into the premises, disrupting operations. Videos obtained by The Guardian captured the military personnel wielding firearms and ordering more than seven staff members to kneel while others were assaulted.
A similar incident was reported at Ikeja Electric’s head office in Ikeja, further escalating tensions between the electricity provider and the Air Force. The attack has left employees fearful for their safety, with many reportedly avoiding work.
“I have been trying to reach our managers, but their numbers are unreachable. It is most likely they have been attacked,” a staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Guardian. “This is unlawful and disgraceful—how can the military invade a private company’s offices in a civil society?”
The altercation stems from Ikeja Electric’s decision to cut off power to the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base two weeks ago due to unpaid electricity bills running into millions of naira. Sources revealed that the Air Force had an agreement to pay ₦60 million monthly for a guaranteed daily power supply of 10 to 12 hours. However, while the base has reportedly kept to its payment schedule, power supply was still disrupted, leading to rising security concerns.
One source highlighted the critical risk posed by the blackout, particularly at an operational warehouse housing high-caliber armaments, where soaring temperatures threaten the integrity of stored weapons.
Despite the ongoing standoff, Ikeja Electric has yet to resume full operations, as staff remain in hiding, fearing further military intervention.
