Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Shutdown.

Power.

The country’s electricity supply may be heading for a major disruption as the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has issued a threat of a nationwide shutdown following an alleged assault on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

The union, condemning what it described as a “brutal invasion,” has already instructed its members to suspend power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.

NUEE said the directive became necessary after workers on duty were allegedly assaulted, held at gunpoint, and some were reportedly abducted by police officers said to be acting on orders from the state authorities.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the power sector, with the union warning that it will halt services nationwide unless immediate steps are taken to ensure the safety of electricity workers.

Police officers, allegedly acting on behalf of the state, were said to have forced their way into the control rooms at the substation, damaging equipment and disrupting operations. Workers on duty were reportedly threatened at gunpoint, beaten, and taken away to an unknown location.

A statement released late Saturday by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, stated:

“NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed today (yesterday) by police officers acting on behalf of Imo State government.

“These officers forcibly invaded and vandalised the control rooms at Egbu 132/33KV Transmission Substation in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.

“During the invasion, the officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress.

“They further unleashed violence on our members, beating, molesting and assaulting every staff member in sight. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed, while CCTV cameras were also vandalised.

“The police officers executed this brutal and barbaric assault on innocent workers and abducted them to an undisclosed location.

“NUEE strongly condemns this reprehensible act and demands the immediate release of our abducted members. We also call for a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the protection of our members and to prevent any further traumatising incidents of this nature by putting the police in check.

“Additionally, we demand the immediate replacement of all staff property damaged or taken away, and we insist that all assaulted workers be provided with full medical attention.

“Consequently, NUEE directs all members to stay away from the office until further notice, as we cannot continue to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation, and threats to life. Work can only resume when the safety of staff and property is fully guaranteed.

“Failure to address these issues promptly will leave the union with no alternative but to withdraw our services nationwide until adequate safety and protection are secured at all workplaces.”

Reacting on Sunday, the Imo State Police Command dismissed claims that its officers abducted or held operators hostage at the Egbu Transmission Substation in Owerri.

The Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said in a statement that the incident was an “operational disagreement” between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company.

He said investigations have begun and will establish the full facts.

According to the statement: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, to launch a full-scale investigation to ascertain the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the incident reported at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation on 15/11/2025.

“Preliminary findings show that there is no indication that National Integrated Power Transmission Company, NISO, or Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, personnel were abducted, held hostage, or forced to disconnect any facility.

“Current findings indicate that the situation stems from an operational disagreement involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company, which the chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ISERC, was present to resolve. The investigation will establish all facts objectively.”

The command assured residents that it has taken full control of the situation and has implemented measures to maintain peace and protect the facility.

It added that, working with the Imo State government, it remains committed to ensuring that TCN/NISO staff and all electricity workers carry out their duties safely and without intimidation. It also stressed that steps have been taken to prevent future disruptions and to protect critical infrastructure across the state.