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| Eko Distribution company |
In a shocking turn of events, soldiers from the Nigerian Army reportedly stormed an office of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) in Badagry, Lagos State, in the early hours of Friday, March 14, 2025. The incident, which occurred around 1 am, involved the alleged abduction and assault of two staff members over a power outage affecting the soldiers’ barracks.
This attack comes just one week after officers of the Nigerian Air Force invaded the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in Alausa, Lagos, brutalizing staff and vandalizing property worth billions of naira. The recurring incidents have raised concerns about the safety of utility workers and the growing trend of military aggression toward electricity distribution companies.
According to Sunday Oduntan, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), the soldiers abducted a Distribution Substation Officer (DSO) and a security personnel from Eko DisCo’s Injection Substation in Badagry. The staff were reportedly taken to the Nigerian Army 15th Field Engineers Regiment barracks in Topo Town, Badagry, where they were held and allegedly tortured before being released at 4 am.
Oduntan explained that the soldiers’ grievances stemmed from a week-long power outage in their barracks. He clarified that the outage was due to an ongoing upgrade by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Agbara, which had been communicated to the barracks’ Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. S. Lawan. Despite efforts to restore power, the feeder tripped due to excessive load.
Babatunde Lasaki, Eko DisCo’s spokesperson, described the incident as “unfortunate” and condemned the increasing attacks on electricity distribution companies. He revealed that the company’s legal team has reported the matter to the police and is preparing petitions to the Chief of Army Staff, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Power.
Lasaki emphasized that power supply issues are part of a broader value chain and not solely the responsibility of distribution companies. He warned that such attacks would continue unless the federal government takes decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable.
In response to the allegations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, denied the abduction claims. He stated that a minor misunderstanding occurred between soldiers and Eko DisCo staff following a fire outbreak at the company’s facility within the barracks.
Nwachukwu explained that soldiers had collaborated with Eko DisCo personnel to extinguish the fire, and any disagreements were resolved amicably. He added that the Commanding Officer has initiated a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire.
The incident highlights the growing tensions between military personnel and utility providers in Nigeria, where frequent power outages have become a source of frustration for many. The recent attacks on DisCos underscore the need for improved communication, accountability, and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent further escalation.
As Eko DisCo seeks justice for its staff, the federal government faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of these conflicts and ensure the safety of workers in the power sector.