Electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) have threatened to shut down electricity-sector operations nationwide if their demands over the alleged assault and detention of their colleagues are not addressed.


The unions issued a three-day ultimatum running from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 23, 2026, warning that failure to resolve the matter by the deadline could trigger a nationwide shutdown of electricity operations.


The dispute followed an alleged incident on September 18, 2026, when Nigerian Air Force personnel reportedly invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) operations office in Bauchi after electricity supply to some NAF facilities was disconnected over alleged unpaid bills.


The unions alleged that 10 electricity workers were arrested and assaulted during the incident, with some reportedly receiving medical treatment.


National Deputy President of SSAEAC, Rilwanu Shehu, said the unions had given the authorities until September 23 to intervene and resolve the matter.


He warned that if action was not taken, the unions would ground electricity-sector activities across the country, potentially resulting in a nationwide blackout.


The unions have called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegations and intervene in the dispute.


Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force had not publicly responded to the allegations in the reports reviewed.


The threatened nationwide blackout is expected to take effect on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, if the dispute remains unresolved.