A serious crisis is developing at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja as a 12-day power outage leaves dangerous military weapons exposed to high heat. Experts predict that if the power doesn’t return soon, it could lead to a disaster similar to the deadly 2002 bomb explosion at Ikeja Cantonment.
Military sources who spoke anonymously are calling the situation “a disaster waiting to happen.” Without power to keep cooling systems running, the risk of accidental explosions is growing. Moreover, Jet A1 fuel, which is highly flammable, is being stored in extreme temperatures, increasing the threat.
The blackout is also affecting important services at the base. The hospital has had to send patients to other facilities, disrupting surgeries. The mortuary is facing problems due to lack of refrigeration, causing serious issues with body storage.
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The heatwave in Lagos is impacting the soldiers’ health as well. Some have gotten meningitis, and many are forced to sleep outside to escape the heat. “It’s unbearable. We are serving our country, yet we are being made to suffer,” said one soldier.
The problem stems from the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric), which has not kept its promises to provide stable electricity to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Despite paying N60 million a month, the power supply has been inconsistent.
NAF leaders are angry about what they call a deliberate act of sabotage and have warned Ikeja Electric of potential consequences for national security and military relations with civilians.
Soldiers have expressed concern about the electricity company’s actions, which have affected their well-being. Even backup generators are struggling to work, creating fears of possible disasters.
While there’s talk of using solar energy as a future plan, soldiers stress that they need power immediately, not later. Attempts to contact Ikeja Electric for comment were unsuccessful.
