CHAOS AS MILITARY MEN INVADE IKEJA ELECTRIC HEADQUARTERS OVER POWER DISCONNECTION
Tensions escalated on Thursday, March 6, as armed military personnel stormed the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric) headquarters in Lagos, allegedly assaulting staff and disrupting operations.
The invasion, which took place around 7:40 a.m., also extended to Ikeja Electric’s office on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, where soldiers reportedly forced their way in.
What Led to the Invasion?
The incident follows a growing dispute between Ikeja Electric and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over an unpaid electricity bill. On March 5, Ikeja Electric disconnected power to the NAF logistics base in Ikeja, which had been without electricity for two weeks due to unpaid debts reportedly running into millions of naira.
Sources say NAF had agreed to pay ₦60 million monthly to ensure a daily power supply of 10–12 hours but allegedly failed to meet the payment agreement. The prolonged blackout has reportedly compromised security at the base, particularly the operational warehouse storing high-caliber armaments, as rising temperatures threaten the integrity of the stored weapons.
Violence Erupts
Reports from Punch and The Guardian indicate that military personnel gathered Ikeja Electric staff, forced them to kneel, and physically assaulted them. Videos circulating online show armed soldiers inside the company’s premises, effectively crippling operations.
A frightened staff member, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, revealed that many employees have gone into hiding, with some still unreachable after reporting to work. The company’s offices remained shut down as of the time of this report.
Public Outrage
The military’s actions have sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians, including media personality Rufai Oseni, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the invasion and assault on civilian workers.
Watch the viral video below:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG2yTLlqU88/?igsh=MW5wMXd4eTU0YWZwdQ==
