The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has raised concern over the safety of its personnel in Imo State after what it described as an invasion of one of its substations in Owerri by unknown individuals.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NISO said the individuals “forcefully entered and vandalised the control rooms at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.”

According to the organisation, the intruders allegedly carried out a forced disconnection at gunpoint, holding NISO staff on duty hostage and compelling them to open the breakers.

NISO said attempts to seek clarification from the Imo State Government had so far been unsuccessful.

However, the group said it was able to reach the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Bede Okpara, who confirmed awareness of the incident and promised to provide updates. As of the time of the statement, no further information had been received.

The agency expressed serious concern over the lack of official communication regarding the condition and safety of its personnel.

“Given the severity of the situation and the danger it poses to the national grid, NISO Management has resolved to wait until 6:00 p.m. today, 15th November 2025, to establish the whereabouts and safety of the affected staff. If no information is received, all transmission substations within Owerri will be disconnected from the national grid,” the statement added. (Daily Trust)