A violent standoff erupted yesterday between personnel of the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja and officials of Ikeja Electric (IE) after the electricity company disconnected power to the military facility over an accumulated N4 billion debt spanning a decade.
The situation escalated when armed Air Force personnel allegedly stormed Ikeja Electric’s headquarters, assaulting staff, carting away company property, and forcibly demanding reconnection.
Ikeja Electric has described the incident as an outright act of intimidation and lawlessness.
The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, stated that Air Force personnel invaded their offices, physically attacked staff, seized laptops, and vandalized both the Oshodi business unit and other locations servicing the Air Force Base.
During the confrontation, it was reported that 15 operational vehicles and their drivers were seized at gunpoint by the Air Force but were later returned as tensions rose.
Okotie emphasized that despite owing over N4 billion, the Air Force Base has consistently failed to honor debt repayment agreements.
He also revealed that the Base had blocked electricity officials from accessing their facilities, preventing proper monitoring of power usage and bypassing agreed supply limits.
Okotie noted that the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Ikeja previously had similar billing issues but resolved them through dialogue. The Army agreed to use auto-enclosure equipment and post-paid metering, ensuring a stable supply that they now pay for regularly.
However, he accused the Nigerian Air Force of expecting uninterrupted electricity without making similar payment commitments.
He also referenced recent media reports from the Air Force Base, which suggested that explosives were present on-site, warning that if power wasn’t restored, it could lead to another explosion similar to the tragic 2002 incident. Okotie dismissed these claims as blackmail, arguing that if the Air Force’s energy needs were so critical, they should establish a dedicated power plant instead of relying solely on Ikeja Electric’s supply.
Following the violent clash, Ikeja Electric Chairman, Kola Adesina, stated that there had been improved communication between the company and the Air Force. He described the violence as unfortunate and unnecessary, adding that both parties are working towards a resolution.
Similarly, Air Vice Marshal Kola Ademuwagun, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Lagos, acknowledged the incident and promised an investigation into the actions of the military personnel involved. He assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken.
Meanwhile, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has strongly condemned the military invasion of Ikeja Electric’s Corporate Headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit, calling it “gangsterism” and “unprofessional behavior.”
In a statement, NUEE Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, warned that until their safety is guaranteed, electricity workers would stay away from work.
“We cannot work under brutality, intimidation, and threats to life. If our demands are not met, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide until we are assured of safety and protection at the workplace,” the statement read.
The situation remains tense as discussions between Ikeja Electric and the Air Force continue, while electricity workers consider a nationwide strike in response to the attack.
