The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the recent attack on staff and infrastructure at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 14, 2025, followed a temporary power outage and marks the second such assault on power infrastructure in less than a week.
This latest attack comes just days after a similar incident involving personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, who targeted staff and facilities at the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC). Adelabu described the actions as “unacceptable” and a direct threat to Nigeria’s power supply stability and economic well-being.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister, Adelabu emphasized that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a critical enabler of development. He expressed deep concern over the repeated targeting of power infrastructure and personnel by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets.
“Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions,” Adelabu stated. “The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces.”
The Minister called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and prevent further incidents. He urged security operatives to adopt non-violent means of resolving disputes, especially in a democratic setting. Adelabu also noted that the Nigerian Army’s attack on EKEDC may have been emboldened by the Federal Government’s silence on the earlier assault by the Air Force on Ikeja Electric.
The attack on the EKEDC substation has caused significant damage, leading to power outages and service disruptions for thousands of customers. Adelabu described the timing of the incident as particularly unfortunate, given the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. “Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve,” he said.
Adelabu called on the Nigerian Army to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also urged the military high command to educate and sensitize its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure. “The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggests a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency,” he added.
While acknowledging the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding the nation, Adelabu appealed to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognize the importance of protecting power infrastructure. “These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the Ministry of Power’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians. He emphasized that the military should view the power sector as a partner in progress rather than an adversary.
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to the incidents, but the Minister’s statement underscores the growing concern over the safety of power infrastructure and personnel in the face of attacks by those tasked with protecting them.
