AEDC Officials Injured During Anti-Power Theft Operation at Dawaki Police Quarters, Abuja

Tension erupted at the Dawaki Police Quarters in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday after officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) were attacked while carrying out an enforcement exercise against suspected electricity theft.

The incident occurred during a joint operation involving AEDC’s revenue protection personnel and security operatives, following intelligence reports of widespread meter bypass and illegal connections within the estate . The team had visited to disconnect illegal connections after months of customer sensitisation.

During the exercise, officials discovered more than 15 residential premises with allegedly bypassed meters. The estate’s security gate power supply was also connected through an unauthorised bypass. The operation turned violent when some residents resisted, assaulting the team and preventing them from leaving.

Several AEDC staff sustained injuries during the altercation. Mobile phones were seized and photographs and video evidence were deleted by the residents. Injured personnel were taken for medical treatment, with no fatalities recorded. The matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer before the team could exit the estate.

AEDC condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable. The Managing Director, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, said attacks on utility workers undermine efforts to curb theft and improve service delivery . He urged residents to cooperate with authorised personnel during official assignments.

The company appealed to customers to reject electricity theft, warning that illegal connections constitute criminal offences, endanger lives, and damage infrastructure. AEDC said it would collaborate with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.