JEDC condemns alleged NAF invasion of Bauchi office, assault on staff

The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) Plc has condemned the alleged invasion of its Bauchi State Head Office by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following the disconnection of electricity supply to the NAF residential quarters over outstanding bills.

The company, in a statement issued on Friday, said the incident occurred at its GRA office in Bauchi on the afternoon of September 18, following the disconnection of the NAF residential quarters along Ningi Road on September 14.

JEDC explained that the disconnection was carried out after prolonged non-payment of electricity bills accruing from the facility.

According to the company, the Nigerian Air Force in Bauchi currently has an outstanding electricity debt of 196,730,844 Naira, which represents about two percent of the overall outstanding debt profile of its Bauchi franchise.

“It is also pertinent to note that the Nigerian Air Force, Bauchi State, currently has an outstanding electricity debt of 196,730,844 Naira, representing 2% of the overall outstanding debt profile of JED Plc’s Bauchi Franchise. The disconnection of the residential quarters was therefore effected in accordance with applicable regulatory and operational procedures following the continued non-payment of the outstanding electricity bills.”

“JEDC Plc wishes to state categorically that the affected residential quarters have historically not made any payments for electricity consumed, on the basis that the electricity charges were expected to be incorporated into the billing of the main NAF base. Due to the huge outstanding electricity debts, the matter was addressed in accordance with applicable regulatory and operational procedures, culminating in the disconnection of electricity supply to the quarters on September 14, 2026,”the statement read.

The company described the subsequent events as deeply concerning and unacceptable.

“Rather than seek redress through the appropriate regulatory, administrative, or legal channels, personnel of the NAF resorted to an unwarranted and intimidating show of force by invading the company’s Bauchi State Office and forcibly taking away the State Operating Officer, Mr. Samaila Isa Bukar, alongside an unconfirmed number of JED Plc meter installers who were at the office in connection with the ongoing Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) metering exercise.”

“The affected JEDC Plc personnel were conveyed in vehicles belonging to the Air Force personnel to the said disconnected quarters, where the installers were subjected to intense physical assault. The State Operating Officer was also reportedly threatened with further and more severe assault unless electricity supply to the quarters was restored. The situation was further aggravated by the seizure of the mobile phones of the affected personnel, accompanied by stern threats against anyone who attempted to record or document the incident.”

“It was only after subjecting our personnel to the forced reconnection of electricity supply to the quarters that they were eventually released.”

JEDC noted that such conduct represents a grave departure from the principles of due process, institutional engagement, and lawful dispute resolution expected of public institutions.

The company considers the use of force, intimidation, physical assault, and the seizure of personal devices wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected in resolving disputes between government institutions and regulated entities.

“JEDX Plc is a responsible and law-abiding organization and remains committed to resolving all disputes through the appropriate regulatory and legal mechanisms.However, we will not condone any action that undermines the authority of the company, disrupts its lawful operations, or places the lives and safety of its personnel at risk.”

“Consequently, the Management of JEDC Plc is taking necessary steps to escalate this matter to the appropriate authorities and relevant regulatory institutions for immediate investigation and necessary actions. JEDC Plc will pursue all lawful remedies available to protect its employees, operations, and institutional rights.”

“We wish to assure our customers, stakeholders, and the general public that this unfortunate incident will not deter JED Plc from carrying out its statutory responsibilities or from implementing legitimate regulatory and operational directives across its franchise states,” it added.