Keffi, Nasarawa State, February 12, 2026 – A disturbing incident of violence against electricity utility personnel has heightened concerns over the safety of workers enforcing disconnection for non-payment in Nigeria. On February 10, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Mr. Abdul Ishaka, a Customer Representative Officer (CRO) attached to the Karshi Service Centre under the Masaka Business Office of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC), was viciously assaulted while performing his lawful duties.
According to a detailed report from AEDC and confirmed by security sources, Mr. Ishaka had approached the residence of a customer, Mrs. Laraba Waziri, to question the illegal reconnection of her electricity supply. The customer’s service had been legitimately disconnected for non-payment (DNP), with her account carrying an outstanding debt of ₦272,499.47. Instead of cooperating, Mrs. Waziri reportedly mobilized her son and several of his friends to attack the AEDC officer.
The assault was severe and unprovoked. Mr. Ishaka was beaten to a state of unconsciousness, sustaining serious injuries that required immediate medical intervention. He was first rushed to Emmanuel Baptist Clinic in the area for emergency first aid before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, where he remains on admission receiving treatment and under close medical observation.
The swift response from law enforcement has been widely commended. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) personally intervened, directing the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police to treat the case with utmost urgency and ensure a thorough, expedited investigation. The primary suspect, Mrs. Laraba Waziri, was promptly arrested and arraigned before the Senior Magistrate Court in Auta Balefi. The court ordered her remand in police custody pending further investigation and the apprehension of other suspects who remain at large.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations is personally supervising the case to guarantee no procedural lapses and to push for immediate prison remand of all involved parties. Police sources have indicated that the investigation is progressing rapidly, with efforts focused on identifying and arresting the fleeing accomplices.
Management of AEDC has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety of utility workers across the country.” In an official statement, the company reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. AEDC emphasized that the assault not only endangers the lives of employees but also undermines efforts to protect critical infrastructure and maintain fair service delivery.
Industry stakeholders, including the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) and other power sector players, have once again warned that electricity theft (such as illegal reconnections or “hanging” of wires) and the physical assault of enforcement officers are serious criminal offences under Nigerian law. They stressed that such acts sabotage the electricity supply chain, increase technical and commercial losses, and ultimately affect all paying customers through poor service quality and frequent outages.
The Nigeria Police Force’s decisive action in this case has been lauded by civil society groups, labour unions, and members of the public. Many see the rapid arrest, arraignment, and high-level supervision as a strong signal that attacks on utility workers will no longer be tolerated. Security analysts note that violence against electricity enforcement personnel has become a recurring challenge in several states, often linked to resistance against disconnections for non-payment or illegal consumption.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger legal protections and enhanced security for utility staff during field operations. Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government, state authorities, and security agencies to implement measures such as:
Providing dedicated security escorts for disconnection teams in high-risk areas
Strengthening penalties for assault on utility workers
Launching public awareness campaigns on the consequences of electricity theft and violence against enforcement officers
Encouraging communities to cooperate with legitimate disconnection exercises rather than resorting to mob action
As Mr. Abdul Ishaka continues his recovery at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, the case has become a focal point for discussions on worker safety, the rule of law, and the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector. AEDC has assured that it will continue to support the victim and his family throughout the legal process and recovery period.
The Nasarawa State Police Command and AEDC have called on residents to report any form of electricity theft or threats against utility personnel, promising that such reports will be treated with the seriousness they deserve. The hope is that this incident will serve as a turning point in protecting frontline electricity workers and deterring future attacks.
