By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Bauchi Operations Base, have allegedly invaded the Bauchi Operations office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), seized and assaulted its staff over disconnection of electricity supply to the facility belonging to the Force.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued by the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, on Saturday, in which it strongly condemned the invasion of
its Bauchi State Head Office in GRA, Bauchi, by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Bauchi, on the afternoon of 18th September 2026.
JED in a statement, issued by Saratu Aliyu Dauda, Head, Corporate Communications, JED Plc,
explained that the incident followed the disconnection of the NAF residential quarters located along Ningi Road, Bauchi State, due to the prolonged non-payment of electricity bills accruing from the facility.
JED stated that, “It is also pertinent to note that the Nigerian Air Force, Bauchi State, has a huge outstanding
electricity debt arising from prolonged non-payment of electricity bills. The disconnection of the residential quarters was therefore effected in accordance with applicable regulatory and operational procedures following the continued failure to settle the outstanding bills.”
JED stated categorically that the affected residential quarters have historically not made any payments for electricity consumed, on the basis that the electricity charges were
expected to be incorporated into the billing of the main NAF base.”
“Due to the huge outstanding electricity debts, the matter was addressed in accordance with the applicable regulatory and operational procedures, culminating in the disconnection of electricity supply to the quarters on 14th September 2026.
It is therefore deeply concerning and unacceptable that, rather than seek redress through the appropriate regulatory, administrative or legal channels, personnel of the NAF resorted to an unwarranted and intimidating show of force by invading the Company’s Bauchi State Office and forcibly taking away the State Operating Officer, Mr. Samaila Isa Bukar, alongside an unconfirmed number of JED Plc meter installers who were at the office in connection with the ongoing Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) metering exercise,” it lamented.
It added that the affected JED Plc personnel were conveyed in vehicles belonging to the Air Force personnel to the said disconnected quarters, where the installers were subjected to intense physical assault.
It further alleged that the State Operating Officer was also reportedly threatened with further and more
severe assault unless electricity supply to the quarters was restored.
According to JED, “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.It was only after subjecting our personnel to the forced reconnection of electricity supply to
the quarters that they were eventually released.”
JED lamented that,”Such conduct, represents a grave departure from the principles of due process, institutional
engagement and lawful dispute resolution expected of public institutions. 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.”
It stressed that,” JED Plc is a responsible and law abiding organization and remains committed to resolving all disputes through the appropriate regulatory and legal mechanisms. However, we will not
condone any action that undermines the authority of the Company, disrupts its lawful operations or places the lives and safety of its personnel at risk.”.
It then declared that, “Consequently, the Management of JED Plc is taking necessary steps to escalate this matter to the appropriate authorities and relevant regulatory institutions for immediate investigation and
necessary actions. JED Plc will pursue all lawful remedies available to protect its employees, operations and institutional rights.”.
“We wish to assure our customers, stakeholders and the general public that this unfortunate Incident will not deter JED Plc from carrying out its statutory responsibilities or from
implementing legitimate regulatory and operational directives across its franchise states,” it concluded and assured.
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