The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday said it has no hand in the the explosion at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) wellhead in Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, saying that “misleading report by certain media outlets suggesting that the NAF may have been responsible” were “false and unfounded.”
Urging media outlets “to exercise due diligence by verifying facts before publishing, rather than relying on assumptions,” NAF Spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said that far from explosion from any activity of the Air Force, the “wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to prolonged illegal activities in the area.”
AVM Akinboyewa stated that “video recordings from previous missions confirm that the wellhead had been leaking for an extended period, resulting in the accumulation of gas and flammable liquids in the surrounding environment.”
The full statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has noted with concern a misleading report by certain media outlets suggesting that the NAF may have been responsible for the explosion at the NNPC wellhead in Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“The NAF categorically refutes this false and unfounded claim and urges media outlets to exercise due diligence by verifying facts before publishing, rather than relying on assumptions.
“Contrary to the allegations made by the Buguma Community spokesperson, who speculated that the fire may have been caused by aging oil facilities, illegal oil bunkering, or NAF operations, we wish to clarify the situation.
“The wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to prolonged illegal activities in the area. Video recordings from previous missions confirm that the wellhead had been leaking for an extended period, resulting in the accumulation of gas and flammable liquids in the surrounding environment.
“High-definition (HD) video recordings from the NAF platform, including footage from December 2024, clearly show the wellhead spilling oil and the barge already burnt before its arrival at the location. The onboard camera system ensures transparency and accountability by capturing and documenting all activities, eliminating any possibility of indiscriminate firing at civilians or destroying assets, as falsely alleged.
“It is also important to note that the NAF ensures due diligence before engaging any target, so that only illegal refining sites and equipment are destroyed. The safety of innocent civilians and the protection of critical infrastructure remain a top priority for the Service.
“Accordingly, the public may rest assured that the NAF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and combat crude oil theft, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human life.”
