The Imo State Police Command has debunked widespread claims that staff of the Egbu 132/33 kV Transmission Substation in Owerri were abducted during a recent confrontation at the facility. Instead, authorities say the disturbance stemmed from a heated operational dispute between electricity distribution companies, not a criminal kidnapping as initially reported.
Over the weekend, social media posts and unverified reports triggered public panic, suggesting that workers at the substation had been held hostage and forced to disconnect equipment at gunpoint. The news spread rapidly across Owerri and neighboring communities, prompting fears of insecurity around critical power infrastructure.
However, in an official statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, clarified that early investigations show no evidence of abduction, coercion, or forced disconnection carried out against personnel of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
According to the police, what occurred was an internal “operational disagreement” allegedly involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company. The altercation, the police said, escalated to a point where security intervention became necessary.
Police Launch Investigation to Uncover Full Details
DSP Okoye confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a comprehensive investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the confrontation.
He noted that senior government officials and representatives of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) intervened at the scene to calm tensions and prevent further escalation. The police also deployed additional officers to the substation to ensure uninterrupted operations and safeguard personnel.
“The Command assures residents that no NISO or TCN operators were abducted, held hostage, or forced to disconnect any equipment,” the statement emphasized. Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all electricity workers operate safely and without intimidation.
NISO Raises Alarm Over Missing Personnel
Despite the reassurances from the police, concerns persist within the Nigerian Independent System Operator. In a statement issued on Saturday, NISO alleged that unidentified operatives, reportedly acting on behalf of the Imo State Government, forcefully entered the substation and compelled operators to carry out what was described as an “illegal outage.”
According to NISO, the intruders vandalized parts of the control room, took charge of breakers, and demanded immediate disconnection of certain facilities. The organization also reported that some of its personnel remained unaccounted for following the incident, raising alarm about their safety.
“Information from Owerri indicates that armed operatives stormed the Egbu substation and forced our staff to effect disconnection at gunpoint,” NISO said. “After the forced outage, personnel on duty were reportedly held and prevented from leaving the facility.”
NISO confirmed that attempts to reach the Imo State Government for official clarification had been unsuccessful. However, the Chairman of ISERC, Bede Okpara, acknowledged awareness of the occurrence and promised updates—none of which had been provided at the time of the statement.
The organization warned that uncertainty surrounding the location and safety of its personnel could compel it to disconnect all transmission substations within Owerri from the national grid, a move that could plunge significant parts of the city into blackout.
Conflicting Accounts Highlight Growing Tensions in Nigeria’s Power Sector
The conflicting narratives from the police and the power sector regulator underscore deeper tensions within Nigeria’s electricity industry. Over the years, disputes involving operational boundaries, revenue sharing, regulatory authority, and control of critical infrastructure have sparked similar confrontations across the country.
Incidents like this highlight the fragile nature of the nation’s power distribution and transmission framework, where disagreements between operators can escalate into security concerns and disrupt already unreliable electricity supply.
Authorities Emphasize Responsible Reporting
The Imo State Police Command stressed the importance of accurate reporting to avoid spreading misinformation, especially regarding critical infrastructure like power substations. The Command reiterated that measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of workers and secure uninterrupted electricity transmission across the state.
As investigations continue, stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector—including security agencies, distribution companies, and regulatory bodies—are being urged to strengthen communication and resolve disputes through established channels to prevent
operational breakdowns and public alarm.
