The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to the Imo State Government following the alleged abduction of electricity system operators at gunpoint. The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the agency responsible for managing the country’s power grid, said on Saturday that it may disconnect Imo State completely from the national grid if the abducted workers are not released immediately.
In a statement released to the public, NISO accused armed operatives said to be acting on behalf of the Imo State Government of invading the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation, forcefully removing its staff, and vandalising key control equipment in the process. The agency described the attack as a grave threat to national security and the safety of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
According to NISO, the trouble started when the armed operatives stormed the control rooms at the Egbu substation and attempted to compel system operators to initiate an unauthorised outage affecting parts of the state. When the staff refused, the operatives allegedly resorted to violence, abducting the workers and leaving the facility vandalised.
The statement explained that such actions are not only illegal but also capable of destabilising the national grid. Power grid operations depend on strict protocols and timed switching orders, and any forced outage can result in widespread system instability.
NISO said it has been unable to confirm the condition or location of the abducted workers, and attempts to establish communication with the Imo State Government have not been successful. “The continued absence of communication on the status of our personnel is a source of serious concern to NISO management,” the agency said.
Citing the safety of its employees and the protection of national power assets, NISO stated that it would disconnect the entire Owerri transmission zone—covering key substations supplying electricity to Imo State—if no update was received by the end of Saturday evening.
“If no information is received,” the statement warned, “we will disconnect all transmission substations within Owerri from the national grid as a precautionary measure.”
Such a disconnection would plunge major parts of Imo State into total blackout, affecting businesses, hospitals, water supply systems, financial institutions, public facilities, and households. Energy experts say this step, though drastic, may be necessary to protect grid operators whose lives are at risk.
In recent months, Imo State has been involved in disputes with power distribution and transmission authorities over billing concerns, load allocation, and supply interruptions. Residents have repeatedly protested what they describe as inadequate electricity supply and inflated bills.
While these tensions have sometimes led to confrontations, the alleged abduction of power workers marks a significant escalation. Industry stakeholders say it is rare for state-linked operatives—if the allegation is proven—to interfere directly with national grid operations.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has in the past warned that any disruptions to transmission substations, whether accidental or deliberate, could lead to system collapses or regional blackouts.
Nigeria’s power transmission network is considered a critical national asset. Attacks on grid workers have been reported in the past, especially in insurgency-prone areas, but not usually in state capitals or under circumstances involving government-backed operatives.
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Government has not issued any official statement confirming or denying the allegations. Calls and messages sent to senior government officials were not answered.
The silence from the state government has increased confusion among residents, who are now unsure whether a blackout is imminent. Some residents expressed fear that the dispute could worsen the already unstable power supply situation in the state.
Family members of the abducted workers are said to be anxious as they await information about the condition of their loved ones. A relative of one of the victims, who spoke anonymously, said no one had been told where the workers were taken or whether they were safe.
NISO has forwarded the matter to national security agencies and has requested urgent intervention to recover the abducted staff. The agency says it will not allow grid personnel to work in dangerous environments unless their safety is guaranteed.
Residents of Imo State are now waiting anxiously for updates, with fears that the state may be plunged into darkness if no resolution is reached.
