Attack on DisCos: Adelabu urges Ribadu to call Armed Forces to order
…Says attack sabotaging efforts to improve power supply
…As Army denies invading EKEDC facility
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the recent attack, abduction, and assault of staff, as well as the destruction of facilities at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, 14 March 2025, followed a temporary power outage and comes less than a week after a similar assault on Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) staff and infrastructure by Nigerian Air Force personnel.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the attack as unacceptable and a direct threat to Nigeria’s power stability and economic well-being.
He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and restrain security operatives, stressing that such issues should be handled peacefully, especially in a democratic setting.
The minister reiterated that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a crucial 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 statement further noted that the Nigerian Army was emboldened to attack EKEDC facilities and staff because of the silence of the Federal Government on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the Air Force.
“The NSA must intervene in this matter to prevent further attacks.”
The Minister stated that the attack on the EKEDC substation had caused significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers.
“This 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.”
He urged the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate this incident and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The Ministry of Power also urges the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitise 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.”
Adelabu reaffirmed the power ministry’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians.
The Minister acknowledged the military’s crucial role in national security and asset protection but urged it to regard the power sector as a partner in progress rather than an adversary.
“We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognise the importance of protecting our power infrastructure. These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division has denied claims that soldiers invaded an Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry following a misunderstanding in Topo Barracks.
The spokesman for the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni denied the allegations in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.
Ayeni said the claim was made during an interview aired by Arise Television with the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors on Tuesday.
He stated the report did not reflect the true events and appeared designed to mislead the public.
“During the Arise TV interview, the repeatedly aired footage depicted an entirely different incident. The soldiers shown were not personnel of the Nigerian Army,” Ayeni noted.
He added that the footage created a misleading narrative suggesting a hostile confrontation between the Nigerian Army and EKEDC.
Ayeni explained that Badagry, including Topo Barracks, had suffered a power outage for over one month before the incident.
“In spite of this, residents of Badagry, including those in the barracks, endured the blackout while receiving repeated assurances from EKEDC,” he stated.
Power supply was restored on Friday, March 14, at approximately 12.30 a.m.
However, a power surge followed the restoration, causing a fire outbreak in the barracks at an EKEDC-managed facility.
Ayeni said the fire caused panic, and soldiers on duty immediately worked with EKEDC staff to manage the situation.
EKEDC technical staff were allowed into the barracks around 1.00 a.m. and departed by 2.30 a.m. after fixing the issue.
He emphasised that although a misunderstanding occurred between a soldier and EKEDC staff, it was promptly and peacefully resolved.
Ayeni stressed that no soldier invaded EKEDC premises, nor was any EKEDC staff detained or abducted.
He further said the Commanding Officer maintained a long-standing relationship with EKEDC leadership in Badagry, which remained unaffected.
The Commanding Officer promptly convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate the fire outbreak and ensure full transparency.
“The Nigerian Army, as a reputable institution, upholds human rights and remains committed to lawful conduct,” Ayeni affirmed.
He added that misconduct against law-abiding citizens would never be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to Ayeni, the Army prioritises harmonious relations with host communities and all stakeholders.
