Explosion fears mount as 12-day blackout paralyses Ikeja air base

A protracted power outage has exposed military munitions and rockets to rising temperatures, creating a combustible situation that could result in a lethal explosion at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Ikeja, setting the stage for a catastrophic calamity.

Despite regular payments to Ikeja energy Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric), the base has been without reliable energy for 12 days. High-caliber weapons are dangerously heating up with cooling systems off, which is causing concerns about an uncontrollable explosion akin to the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bombing, which left thousands homeless and killed hundreds.

Speaking anonymously, a senior military officer issued a warning about the repercussions.

Extreme heat exposure is not intended for these bombs. There is a greater chance of an explosion the longer this blackout lasts, the source stated.

The blackout has severely hampered medical services at the base's reference hospital in addition to raising the possibility of a weapons disaster. Patients are being forced to seek care elsewhere since all planned surgeries have been canceled due to the lack of electricity to operate necessary medical equipment.

The hospital morgue is also having trouble because the preservation of the dead is in danger due to an unstable power source. According to staff, the facility is hardly operating at the moment, and conditions are becoming worse.


Soldiers stationed at the base have also been affected by the issue. Meningitis has been reported among troops as a result of the extreme heat wave, which has been made worse by the absence of electricity. Some soldiers are sleeping outside because they can't stand the stuffy conditions in their quarters.

One commander complained, "This is a military base, not a camp for refugees." "The heat is making our employees sick, and there is no indication that this will change."

Another concerning aspect is that the intense heat has exposed supplies of Jet A1 fuel, which is used in military aircraft. The extremely combustible gasoline presents a serious fire hazard in the absence of proper storage conditions, further jeopardizing base infrastructure and human life.

The Nigerian Air Force has been left without electricity despite its contractual agreement with Ikeja Electric to get 10–12 hours of power every day. According to documents, NAF paid ?60 million in November 2024, but only received ?43.4 million in electricity. The reason for the missing money is not explained. There was a comparable disparity in December.

Ikeja Electric has been accused by military officials of purposefully denying power, describing the situation as an act of "sabotage with dire national security implications." The commander of the base has given a 48-hour notice to restore power, stating that failure to do so could have dire repercussions.

The commander said, "The troops are observing, and they are aware that this is intentional." "We are making every effort to keep the peace, but this cannot go on."

Residents of Ikeja and the neighboring areas are becoming increasingly anxious due to growing fears of an impending explosion. The bombing in 2002, which destroyed the neighborhood and killed hundreds, is still vivid in people's minds.

A local security expert stated, "This is a public safety crisis, not just a military issue." "The entire city could be in danger if these bombs detonate."

Residents and military officials alike are urging immediate action to stop what may be one of the most catastrophic catastrophes in recent memory as pressure builds on Ikeja Electric.