Army refutes reported attack on EKEDC Badagry substation

• Power minister condemns attack on electricity workers, facilities
The Nigerian Army (NA) has refuted the report of an alleged invasion of the EKO Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKEDC) substation in Badagry by soldiers.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, in a statement yesterday, said the allegation was made during an interview conducted by Arise Television with the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors on March 18, 2025.

He said the report failed to present the true picture of what transpired and therefore portends an attempt to mislead the public.

According to him, in the interest of Nigerian citizens that the NA is committed to protecting, it is imperative to clarify some issues and put the records straight.

Setting the records straight, Ayeni stressed that the Badagry community where Topo Barracks is located has been grappling with power outage for over one month, despite this challenge, the community in Badagry, including the barrack community, have been managing with the situation in the face of repeated reassurances by the EKEDC.

“Eventually, the power supply was restored in the early hours of March 14, 2025, at about 12:30a.m.

“However, following the restoration, a power surge occurred, triggering a fire incident in the barracks at a facility managed by EKEDC.

This caused serious panic in the barracks, and in response, the soldiers on duty immediately coordinated efforts with EKEDC personnel to contain the situation.

The company’s technical staff were granted access to the barracks at about 1:00a.m., to rectify the fault, and they departed around 2:30a.m., after successfully addressing the issue.

“It is crucial to emphasise that while a misunderstanding occurred between a soldier and an EKEDC staff member during the process, it was swiftly and amicably resolved on the spot.

This incident occurred in the Barracks and not in EKEDC premises.

“At no time was the EKEDC substation company in Badagry invaded by any soldier, and neither was any staff of the company abducted or detained in the barracks.

“Furthermore, the Commanding Officer of the unit has maintained a longstanding  relationship with EKEDC’s leadership in Badagry, which remains unchanged.

“To ensure transparency and ascertain the precise cause of the fire outbreak, the Commanding Officer immediately constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

“It was also observed that during the interview with Arise TV, the footage repeatedly aired by the station was entirely of a different incident, and the troops in the visual footage were not personnel of the NA.

This has created a misleading narrative that suggests a hostile standoff between the NA and EKEDC.”

“As a responsible and reputable national institution, guided by extant statutory provisions of the constitution, the Nigerian Army takes human rights violations seriously and will not condone any form of misconduct against law abiding citizens going about their legitimate duties.

“The Nigerian Army also makes it a point of duty to ensure cordial relationships with its host communities and stakeholders,” he added.

MEANWHILE, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the latest attack on staff and facilities of EKEDC in Badagry, Lagos State, allegedly carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

Adelabu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, described the attacks as “unacceptable and a direct threat to Nigeria’s power stability and economic well-being.”

He called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and ensure security operatives refrain from violence, especially in a democratic setting.

Adelabu emphasised that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of the economy and essential for national development.

He expressed deep concerns over the increasing trend of military personnel targeting power infrastructure and workers, urging discipline and accountability within the armed forces.

“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. The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, are deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces,” Adelabu said.

He added that the Nigerian Army’s actions against EKEDC were likely emboldened by the Federal Government’s silence on the recent invasion of Ikeja Electric by Air Force personnel.

“The NSA must wade into this matter immediately to prevent further attacks,” Adelabu stated.

The Minister revealed that the attack on EKEDC’s substation caused significant damage, leading to power outages and service disruptions for thousands of customers.

He described the act as counterproductive at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity supply.

Adelabu urged the Nigerian Army to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also called on military high command to educate 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 said.

Despite the challenges, the minister reaffirmed the Power Ministry’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to protect electricity infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians.

While recognising the military’s vital role in safeguarding national assets, Adelabu stressed that the power sector is a partner in progress, not an enemy.

“We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognise the importance of protecting our power infrastructure. These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all,” he said.