The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) Plc has alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Bauchi Operations Base, invaded its Bauchi office, assaulted some of its workers and forcibly reconnected electricity supply to the Force's residential quarters. This incident occurred on September 18, 2026, at the company's Bauchi State Head Office in GRA, Bauchi.
According to JED, the incident followed the disconnection of electricity supply to NAF residential quarters along Ningi Road, Bauchi, over prolonged non-payment of electricity bills. The affected quarters had accumulated a huge electricity debt, and electricity supply was disconnected on September 14, 2026, in line with applicable regulatory and operational procedures.
JED said the residential quarters had historically not made direct payments for electricity consumed, as the charges were allegedly expected to be incorporated into the billing of the main NAF base. Instead of seeking redress through regulatory, administrative or legal channels, NAF personnel allegedly invaded its office and forcibly took away its State Operating Officer, Mr Samaila Isa Bukar, alongside an unspecified number of meter installers.
The JED workers were taken in vehicles belonging to the Air Force to the disconnected quarters, where the meter installers were allegedly physically assaulted. Bukar was threatened with further assault unless electricity supply to the quarters was restored. The situation was further aggravated by the seizure of the mobile phones of the affected personnel, accompanied by stern threats against anyone who attempted to record or document the incident.
JED described the alleged action as a departure from due process and lawful mechanisms for resolving disputes between public institutions and regulated entities. The company considers the use of force, intimidation, physical assault and seizure of personal devices wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards of conduct expected in resolving disputes between government institutions and regulated entities.
The electricity distribution company said it remained committed to resolving disputes through appropriate regulatory and legal channels, but would not tolerate actions that undermined its operations or endangered its personnel. JED is taking steps to escalate the matter to relevant authorities and regulatory institutions for investigation and necessary action.
The company assured its customers and other stakeholders that the incident would not deter it from carrying out its statutory responsibilities or implementing legitimate regulatory and operational directives across its franchise states. JED will pursue all lawful remedies available to protect its employees, operations and institutional rights.
Key points
- JED reports that NAF personnel invaded its Bauchi office and forcibly reconnected electricity supply to the Force's residential quarters.
- The incident was a result of NAF's non-payment of electricity bills, leading to disconnection of supply.
- JED vows to pursue lawful remedies to protect its employees, operations, and rights.
