Lawlessness of Nigerian Military Personnel Must Stop
By Khadijat Muhammed
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a disturbing scene unfolded at the headquarters of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC). Armed personnel from the Nigerian Air Force’s Sam Ethnan Base, in Lagos state, stormed the premises of the electricity distribution coy, forcefully disrupting operations over a prolonged power disconnection due to an outstanding ₦4 billion electricity bill.
What should have been a financial dispute handled through proper channels turned into an alarming display of brute force. It was a shameful act that not only exposed deep-seated impunity but also called into question the discipline and accountability of some military officers in Nigeria.
It is difficult to reconcile the irony of this situation. The Air Force, an institution meant to enforce law and order, became the aggressor, intimidating civilians who were simply doing their jobs. The message sent by this reckless invasion is dangerous: that those in uniform can use their power to bend the rules in their favor, disregarding due process.
This is not the image a professional military should project. Beyond the disturbing optics, the incident raises critical questions. How did a military base accumulate such a massive electricity debt? Was it a result of poor financial management, budgetary lapses, or outright misappropriation of funds?
If even government institutions struggle to settle basic utility bills, it speaks volumes about deeper governance failures. Instead of resorting to violence, the military should have engaged in proper negotiations or sought government intervention to address the issue lawfully.
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This reckless show of force is not just about electricity bills—it is about the growing culture of impunity among security forces. When military officers, who should embody discipline, take the law into their own hands, it erodes public trust and weakens the very foundation of civil order.
Civilians and corporate entities should not have to live in fear of those sworn to protect them. If uniformed personnel can storm a business over unpaid bills, what stops them from using similar tactics in other disputes?
There is also a broader economic implication. Investors and businesses thrive in environments where the rule of law is respected. Incidents like this send the wrong message to both local and foreign investors. If security agencies can intimidate and harass companies over contractual disagreements, it raises serious concerns about the business climate in Nigeria.
The country’s military should be a symbol of order, not chaos. Moreover, this event highlights the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. Electricity remains a national challenge, with institutions—including hospitals, universities, and security agencies—grappling with high tariffs and unreliable supply.
If even a military base cannot afford electricity, it signals a larger systemic issue that the government must address. However, no matter how flawed the system is, resorting to violence is never the answer. At the heart of this incident lies a simple truth: accountability must prevail.
The officers involved in this disgraceful act must face appropriate disciplinary action. The Nigerian Air Force hierarchy has a duty to set an example, making it clear that such lawlessness will not be tolerated. True military discipline is not just about combat readiness—it is about respect for civil institutions, adherence to the law, and professionalism in all dealings.
Nigeria’s armed forces have built a legacy of bravery and sacrifice, but incidents like this stain that reputation. The real strength of the military is not in its ability to intimidate civilians but in its unwavering commitment to justice, order, and the rule of law. Anything less is a betrayal of the oath they swore to uphold.
