The Imo State Police Command has officially refuted claims of an abduction or hostage situation at a critical power facility in Owerri, providing new details that describe the event as an operational disagreement between electricity distribution companies.
Police Clarification on the Incident
Contrary to alarming reports that circulated over the weekend, authorities confirmed on Sunday, November 16, 2025, that no staff members from either the National Integrated Power Transmission Company (NISO) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were abducted or forced to disconnect equipment at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Owerri.
DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer for Imo State, issued a statement explaining that preliminary investigations revealed a different scenario. The disruption was attributed to an operational disagreement involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company.
The matter was reportedly resolved at the scene with the intervention of the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC), Bede Okpara.
Contrasting Accounts and Ongoing Investigation
This police statement directly contradicts earlier reports from NISO, which had expressed serious concern about an alleged intrusion at the substation. On Saturday, NISO claimed that operatives, described as acting on behalf of the Imo State Government, had forcefully entered control rooms and compelled operators at gunpoint to effect an illegal disconnection.
NISO further stated that some of its personnel remained unaccounted for following the incident and warned that if the safety and whereabouts of its staff could not be confirmed, all transmission substations within Owerri would be disconnected from the national grid.
In response to these conflicting reports, Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Commitment to Security and Accurate Reporting
The Police Command has assured residents that measures have been implemented to enhance security at the substation and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In their official statement, authorities emphasized: "In synergy with the Imo State Government, the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that TCN/NISO operators and all electricity personnel carry out their duties safely, professionally, and without intimidation."
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding operational control at Nigeria's critical electricity infrastructure. Authorities continue to investigate while stressing the importance of accurate reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation about essential national assets.
