The Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Bauchi, invaded its state headquarters in Bauchi and forcibly compelled the reconnection of electricity to NAF residential quarters despite an outstanding electricity debt of N196.7 million.

JED made the allegation in a statement issued by its management on Friday, saying that the incident occurred at its Bauchi State Head Office in GRA, Bauchi, on September 18, 2026. According to the electricity distribution company, the incident occurred after it disconnected the NAF residential quarters along Ningi Road, Bauchi, on September 14 over prolonged non-payment of electricity bills.

JED said the NAF’s outstanding electricity debt stood at N196,730,844, which it said represented about two per cent of the overall outstanding debt profile of its Bauchi franchise. The company said the disconnection was carried out in line with applicable regulatory and operational procedures after repeated non-payment of accumulated electricity bills.

JED alleged that instead of seeking redress through regulatory, administrative or legal channels, NAF personnel invaded its office and took away the company’s State Operating Officer, Mr Samaila Isa Bukar, along with an unconfirmed number of meter installers who were at the office for the ongoing Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) metering exercise.

The personnel, according to the company, were taken in Air Force vehicles to the disconnected residential quarters. JED further alleged that some of its meter installers were subjected to physical assault at the quarters, while its State Operating Officer was threatened with further assault unless electricity supply was restored.

“The mobile phones of the affected personnel were seized and that they were warned against recording or documenting the incident. The affected personnel were eventually released only after they were compelled to restore electricity supply to the NAF quarters.

“The action is an unwarranted and intimidating show of force. Disputes between public institutions and regulated entities should be resolved through due process. JED Plc 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 Spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force in Bauchi, Friday Ogili John, pledged to respond to the allegations of which he is yet to do as at the time of filing this report.