The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has firmly rejected claims that it was responsible for the explosion at the NNPC wellhead in Buguma community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information at the NAF Headquarters, issued a statement on the 20th of January, 2025, dismissing the reports as false and unfounded.
Refuting the allegations made by the Buguma community spokesperson, who speculated that the fire could have resulted from aging oil facilities, illegal oil bunkering, or NAF operations, the statement clarified that the wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to ongoing illegal activities in the area.
“Video recordings from previous missions confirm that the wellhead had been leaking for an extended period, leading to the accumulation of gas and flammable liquids in the surrounding environment,” it read.
The statement went on to emphasize that high-definition (HD) video footage from NAF platforms, including recordings from December 2024, clearly show the wellhead leaking oil and the barge already burnt prior to NAF’s arrival.
Furthermore, the NAF highlighted its commitment to transparency, noting that its onboard camera system meticulously documents all activities.
This system ensures accountability and rules out any possibility of indiscriminate firing at civilians or the destruction of assets, as falsely alleged.
“It is also important to note that the NAF exercises due diligence before engaging any target, ensuring that only illegal refining sites and equipment are destroyed,” the statement continued.
“The safety of innocent civilians and the protection of critical infrastructure remain a top priority for the Service.”
The public was reassured that the NAF is unwavering in its mission to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure, combat crude oil theft, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, all while respecting human life.