Nigeria’s electricity supply is under threat as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has vowed to shut down operations nationwide following an alleged attack on Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) staff by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV substation in Imo State.
The union described the incident as a “brutal invasion,” alleging that workers on duty were assaulted, held at gunpoint, and some abducted by police officers reportedly acting on the orders of the state government. In response, NUEE has already halted power supply operations across Imo State.
According to the union, the officers forcibly entered the control rooms, vandalised equipment, disconnected power under duress, and destroyed staff property, including phones, laptops, vehicles, and CCTV cameras. The attack has triggered widespread condemnation within the power sector, with NUEE warning it will withdraw services nationwide unless authorities urgently guarantee the safety of electricity workers.
In a statement issued late Saturday, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, said the union was “deeply shocked” by the level of “gangsterism and unprofessional conduct” displayed by the officers. He demanded the immediate release of abducted workers, replacement of damaged property, and a formal commitment from TCN, the Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure staff protection.
The union has directed members to stay away from all duty posts until safety is assured, warning that failure to act promptly could trigger a nationwide shutdown of electricity services.
