The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Monday has debunked insinuation making rounds online that it is responsible for the explosion at the Nigeria National Petroleum Coorporation Limited (NNPCL) wellhead in Buguma community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Debunking the insinuation in a sttement made avialanle to newsmen, , Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force described the reports as false and unfounded.
According to the statement, 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, “The wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to prolonged illegal activities in the area.
He added that a 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.”
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The statement said 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.
It added that 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.
“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,” the statement added.
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