The National Union of Electricity Employees has threatened industrial action following allegations that Nigerian Air Force personnel invaded the Bauchi office of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc and assaulted electricity workers.
The alleged incident occurred on September 18, 2026, after electricity supply to Nigerian Air Force residential quarters along Ningi Road was disconnected over what JED described as prolonged non-payment of electricity bills.
NUEE alleged that Air Force personnel entered the distribution company’s Bauchi operation, removed its State Operating Officer, Samaila Isa Bukar, and other workers and took them to an Air Force facility.
The union further alleged that some of the workers were physically assaulted and that phones and other personal belongings were seized. It also claimed that personnel compelled the workers to restore electricity supply before releasing them. These remain allegations by the union and JED, not independently established findings.
The dispute has subsequently escalated.
During a peaceful demonstration in Bauchi, NUEE Deputy President Rilwanu Shehu said about 10 workers were allegedly assaulted and detained and warned that electricity-sector operations could be disrupted nationally if action was not taken against those allegedly responsible.
Reports on Tuesday quoted the union as threatening to “ground” electricity-sector activities if the matter was left unresolved. At the time of those reports, Nigerian Air Force authorities in Bauchi had not publicly issued a substantive response to the allegations.
An earlier statement from NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, had focused specifically on withdrawal of workers from the affected Jos DisCo operation if adequate safety guarantees were not provided.
The union demanded medical attention for the affected workers, replacement of allegedly seized or damaged personal property, an apology, investigation of the incident and guarantees that electricity employees would be protected while performing their duties.
Beyond the immediate labour dispute, the incident raises significant legal questions.
Electricity distribution companies have regulatory procedures governing disconnection for unpaid bills. At the same time, military and other security personnel remain subject to Nigerian law in their interactions with civilians and private or regulated commercial entities.
If the allegations are established, questions could arise concerning assault, unlawful detention, interference with workers performing lawful duties and the appropriate mechanism for holding personnel accountable.
Equally important is the public-interest dimension of the union’s threatened response. A nationwide disruption of electricity would extend the consequences of a dispute involving one location to households, hospitals, businesses and other critical infrastructure across Nigeria.
The immediate priority is therefore likely to be an independent determination of what occurred at the Bauchi facility and whether the dispute can be resolved without an escalation capable of disrupting national electricity supply.
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SOURCE: Vanguard | The Sun Nigeria
