Nigerian military personnel stormed the offices of Ikeja Electric in Lagos, forcefully entering the Ago Palace Way branch in Okota, Isolo.
The shocking incident, which was captured in videos, showed armed soldiers invading the premises, intimidating workers, and bringing business operations to a halt.
Some employees were forced to kneel, while others were physically assaulted in a show of force that has sparked outrage.
Reports indicate that a similar operation was carried out at Ikeja Electric’s head office in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, suggesting that the military’s actions were coordinated and not an isolated event. The attack has left many employees in fear, with some going into hiding to avoid potential harm.
The root cause of this confrontation appears to be a dispute over electricity supply to the Nigerian Air Force base in Ikeja. The base has reportedly been without power for two weeks following a disconnection by Ikeja Electric due to unpaid debts running into millions of naira.
According to sources, there was an agreement for the Air Force to pay ₦60 million monthly to ensure a steady electricity supply of 10 to 12 hours daily. However, power has remained cut off, leading to growing frustration.
The prolonged blackout has also raised security concerns, particularly over the storage of high-caliber weapons at the base. Rising temperatures inside an operational warehouse have been cited as a serious risk, with fears that continued lack of cooling could lead to dangerous consequences.
A staff member, who spoke anonymously out of fear for his safety, revealed that many employees have decided to stay away from the office after the military invasion.
He expressed concern over the whereabouts of some managers, whose phone numbers have remained unreachable since the attack.
He described the situation as shocking, unlawful, and disgraceful, emphasizing that such an act should never happen in a democratic society.
The fear among employees is palpable, as many are unsure if it is safe to return to work.
The offices of Ikeja Electric had not resumed normal operations at the time this report was filed, leaving the situation unresolved and raising concerns about the growing tension between the electricity company and the military authorities.
