The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) on Saturday reported a serious security breach and operational disruption at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Owerri, the Imo State capital, threatening to shut down all substations serving the area.
According to information from NISO, state government operatives, allegedly acting on behalf of the Imo State government, forcefully entered and vandalised control rooms at the substation in an attempt to compel illegal outage operations, reports Sunday Independent.
The operatives, allegedly at gunpoint, disconnected power breakers and held all NISO personnel on duty hostage, forcing them to comply with demands to open the breakers.
The incident poses significant risks to the stability and safety of the national power grid.
Efforts to obtain official comment or clarification from the Imo State government have been unsuccessful.
The Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Bede Okpara, confirmed awareness of the situation but has yet to provide further information or contact NISO.
The management of NISO has expressed deep concern over the absence of official communication on the safety and status of its personnel involved in the incident.
Given the gravity of the disruption and the threat it presents to national grid security, NISO announced a deadline of 6:00 p.m. yesterday, Saturday, November 15, 2025 to confirm the safety and whereabouts of the affected staff.
“Should there be no reliable update by this time, NISO has resolved to disconnect all transmission substations within Owerri from the national grid as a protective measure,” part of the statement read.
The development underscores rising tensions and operational challenges within the power sector in Imo State, raising calls for urgent intervention to safeguard personnel and critical infrastructure.
