Electricity workers threaten nationwide shutdown over assault by soldiers

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Bauchi State has threatened to shutdown power supply over alleged assault of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The Deputy President of the NUEE, Rilwanu Shehu, made this known during a peaceful demonstration staged by the workers in Bauchi on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Shehu said the demonstration was against the alleged invasion and assault of its members by NAF personnel.

Shehu said some soldiers invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution (JEDC) Operation Office in Bauchi on September 18, and accused the electricity workers of disconnecting NAF facilities.

He said the soldiers assaulted and detained 10 electricity workers, adding that the victims have since been receiving treatment at homes.

The deputy president urged the workers to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the union was working with police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to resolve the matter.

No plan to increase electricity tariff — FG

Shehu said: “We are scared, we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities. We give benefits of doubt to the security operatives, the police and DSS to intervene and resolve the matter amicably.

“We will ground the activities of the electricity industry in the entire nation, if nothing is done to the NAF men, who assaulted our staff”

Shehu added that the association had issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 25, to address the matter or face total blackout.

However, the NAF management in Bauchi State has yet to comment on the allegations.