Emmanuel OchayiThere is growing fear over the safety of high-calibre military weapons stored at the Lagos Air Force Base. The base has been in darkness for more than 16 days after Ikeja Electric Company disconnected its power supply over an alleged N4 billion debt. The power outage has raised serious security concerns, especially among residents of Ikeja and surrounding areas.
The blackout has disrupted the cooling systems used to store bombs and missiles, sparking fears of an explosion. The lack of electricity has also led to tension between the Air Force and the electricity distribution company, resulting in a violent confrontation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelClash Between Military and Ikeja Electric Staff
Efforts to restore power have been unsuccessful, leading to a military raid on the corporate headquarters of Ikeja Electric. Armed personnel stormed the facility, holding staff and visitors, including journalists, hostage for hours. They allegedly subjected them to physical abuse and confiscated their personal belongings.
The situation escalated when military personnel seized about 40 official vehicles and transported them to the Air Force base. The attack has sparked outrage, with electricity workers threatening to halt operations if their safety is not guaranteed.
Explosive Risk Poses Major Threat
Security experts warn that the continued blackout could lead to a disaster worse than the 2002 Ikeja bomb blast. A military source revealed that without adequate cooling, highly explosive bombs stored at the base could become unstable.
“There are 150, 200, 250, and 500 kg bombs stored here. If an explosion occurs, the damage could extend beyond Lagos to neighbouring states,” the source said.
Among the dangerous weapons stored at the base is the Beloga bomb, which contains 151 bomblets. Each bomblet can travel up to 500 kilometres and cause destruction within a 1,000-kilometre radius. Other weapons include pre-fragmented and incendiary bombs capable of devastating large areas.
Debt Dispute Between Military and Ikeja Electric
The Nigerian Air Force insists that it has been paying its electricity bills despite the outstanding debt. A source disclosed that officers contribute monthly towards electricity costs, but the N4 billion debt has accumulated since the base was established in 1964.
“We have been paying N60 million every month, deducted from officers’ salaries. The debt is historical and should not be used as a reason to disconnect power,” the source explained.
Despite a meeting between top Air Force officers, Lagos State officials, and Ikeja Electric representatives, electricity has not been restored. The prolonged blackout has forced some military personnel to consider relocating their families from Lagos due to safety concerns.
Human Rights Groups Demand Investigation
The military raid on Ikeja Electric’s offices has drawn condemnation from human rights organisations. A coalition of 135 human rights groups has written to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, calling for an independent investigation.
The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) described the attack as unlawful and a threat to democracy. “Invasion of private institutions by armed personnel should not happen in a democratic society. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable,” the NHRC stated.
Uncertainty Over Resolution
Despite reports of a meeting aimed at resolving the issue, concerns remain over the continued power outage. Some believe the military assault may have been sanctioned by senior officials.
The lack of a clear resolution raises questions about how long the crisis will persist. For now, the presence of high-calibre weapons in an unstable environment continues to be a serious security risk, leaving Lagos residents on edge.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
