Nigerians react as Air Force officers storm IKEDC office, allegedly brutalise staff

The growing dispute between the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over a prolonged power disconnection at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja escalated into violence on March 6, 2025, culminating in an alleged attack on the headquarters of the electricity company.

Investigations revealed that the base had been without power for two weeks following its disconnection by IKEDC over an unpaid electricity debt amounting to millions of naira. A prior agreement stipulated that NAF would pay IKEDC a monthly sum of ₦60 million to ensure a daily electricity supply of 10 to 12 hours.

However, reports say the power supply had been withheld without explanation despite the agreement.

According to another report, an official familiar with the matter expressed concerns over the operational warehouse housing high-calibre armaments, stating that the rising temperatures due to failed cooling systems posed a serious risk.

The official recalled the Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast of 2002, stressing that a similar incident would be catastrophic for Ikeja and Lagos as a whole. Essential services such as medical care and water supply within the base had also been significantly disrupted due to the power outage.

The source alleged that NAF had even overpaid its electricity bill in November 2024, yet there was no proper accounting for the excess amount, with a similar issue arising in December.

According to the official, there was no physical damage to the power distribution network leading to the base, making the withholding of power unjustifiable. Describing the act as unprofessional and a threat to national security, the source urged IKEDC to restore power within 48 hours.

The same source highlighted that electricity supply was not a luxury for military personnel but an essential service. Frontline personnel had been under psychological distress due to complaints from their families living on the base about the hardships caused by the blackout.

The source further stated that the actions of IKEDC could incite unrest, as prolonged power deprivation could have dire consequences for the peace and stability of the region.

Calling IKEDC a service-oriented organisation that ought to uphold responsibility to the public, the official maintained that military personnel serving their nation had a right to reliable electricity, especially since payments had been made. The company was urged to act swiftly to avoid exacerbating the situation.

When contacted, IKEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, stated that the base was only paying for the hours of power supplied under a Band-A feeder. He noted that despite the payments made, records indicated a significant outstanding debt owed to the electricity distribution company.

According to Okotie, the disconnection was not primarily financial but due to additional factors, including the need for certain installations within the base to improve energy supply. He alleged that the base leadership was aware of these requirements following multiple engagements.

However, he stated that IKEDC had been denied access to the facility, making it impossible to carry out the necessary improvements. He further explained that several military barracks within Lagos had implemented the required installations, resulting in improved power supply, but the Air Force base remained an exception.

Citing past instances of staff harassment and an atmosphere of hostility toward IKEDC personnel, he stated that the company was reluctant to risk further confrontations. Okotie emphasised that energy consumed must be paid for and that no customer was being charged for unused electricity.

He urged NAF authorities to allow access to the facility so that an amicable resolution could be reached.

The situation took a dramatic turn when reports emerged today that Ikeja Electric’s headquarters and its business unit in Lagos were allegedly attacked and vandalised by uniformed NAF personnel.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was reportedly carried out by Air Force officers demanding an immediate reconnection of power to the base. Eyewitnesses described how the officers, upon being denied their demands, forcefully entered the premises, causing significant damage and disrupting operations.

During the chaos at the company’s headquarters in Alausa, it was alleged that the officers searched for the Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Mrs. Folake Soetan. Upon finding her, they reportedly assaulted her and forcefully took her away in a vehicle. While details of her injuries remained unclear at the time, reports indicated that she was later released following intervention from security operatives.

Okotie has insisted that access to the facility was a prerequisite to resolving the dispute and called for both parties to return to the negotiation table. He stressed that proper installations must be carried out to protect all stakeholders and that if IKEDC was not granted access, no meaningful progress could be made.

The escalating conflict between the Nigerian Air Force and Ikeja Electric has raised concerns about the implications of power disconnections on critical government and security institutions. The situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight as both parties maintain opposing stances.