Several officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Plc sustained injuries after they were attacked during an anti-electricity theft enforcement operation at the Dawaki Police Quarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident occurred on Friday during a joint operation involving AEDC’s revenue protection team and security personnel following reports of widespread electricity meter bypass and other illegal power connections within the estate.
According to the company, the enforcement team discovered more than 15 residential buildings with allegedly bypassed electricity meters and also uncovered an unauthorised electricity connection supplying the estate’s security gate. The operation reportedly turned violent when some residents resisted the exercise, allegedly assaulting officials, seizing their mobile phones and deleting photographs and video evidence gathered during the operation.
The injured officials were taken for medical treatment, while the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) before the team was able to leave the estate. No fatalities were recorded.
Reacting to the attack, AEDC condemned the assault on its personnel, describing it as unacceptable. The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, said attacks on utility workers undermine efforts to combat electricity theft and improve service delivery. He reaffirmed AEDC’s commitment to working with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible while continuing its crackdown on illegal electricity connections.
