NUEE Threatens Nationwide Blackout After Armed Police Allegedly Attack TCN Workers in Imo State

Nigeria may be heading toward a major power crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a strong warning of a nationwide shutdown following an alleged assault on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by armed police officers.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Owerri, Imo State, where electricity workers were said to have been brutalized while carrying out official duties.

According to the union, armed police personnel invaded the facility, assaulted TCN staff, and disrupted operations at the critical power infrastructure.

In a statement released late Monday, NUEE condemned the incident, describing it as “an unprovoked attack on innocent workers” and warning that its members would not continue to operate under threats to their lives.

“The assault on TCN staff at the Egbu Substation is completely unacceptable,” the union said. “If government authorities fail to take immediate action against those responsible, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide.”

The union also demanded an urgent investigation, the arrest of the police officers involved, and guarantees for the safety of electricity workers across all power installations in the country.

Sources within TCN confirmed that operations at the Egbu Substation were temporarily disrupted due to the confrontation, raising concerns about similar incidents occurring in other parts of the country.

Senior officials warned that attacks on power infrastructure personnel could have serious implications for grid stability. “Once workers feel unsafe, they will vacate their duty posts and the grid cannot run itself,” one TCN official said.

The Imo State Police Command has not released an official statement on the alleged attack, and it remains unclear what led to the confrontation between officers and the TCN staff at the substation.

If NUEE proceeds with its threat, the action could plunge the country into widespread darkness, affecting homes, businesses, hospitals, and critical public services. Previous strikes by the electricity union have resulted in near-total national blackouts due to the strategic role of TCN in grid transmission.

The union has given no timeline for when the shutdown might begin but emphasized that it expects “swift and decisive action” from the federal government.

As the situation escalates, Nigerians are bracing for potential disruptions amid growing concerns over the safety of workers who manage the nation’s fragile power infrastructure.