The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied alleged involvement in the explosion that rocked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) wellhead in Buguma Community of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It described such allegations in some sections of the media as “false and unfounded”.

A statement, on Monday, by the Director Public Relations and Information at the NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated that the allegations by Buguma Community spokesperson that the fire may have been caused by aging oil facilities, illegal oil bunkering, or NAF operations, was false.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at the wellhead operated by the NNPCL, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been working to contain the fair.

The statement read: “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.

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“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.”

According to the statement, NAF ensures due diligence before engaging any target, to ensure 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 statement said.