The Nigerian Air Force has refuted allegations linking it to the explosion at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company wellhead in Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Some reports had attributed the explosion to the actions of Nigerian Air Force operatives.

The Buguma Community spokesperson had speculated that the explosion might have been a result of ageing oil infrastructure, illegal oil bunkering, or NAF operations.

However, a statement by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Olusola Akinboyewa, described the claims as “false and unfounded.”

Akinboyewa clarified that the wellhead had been leaking crude oil for a prolonged period due to persistent illegal activities in the area.

He said, “The Nigerian Air Force has noted with concern a misleading report by certain media outlets suggesting that the NAF may have been responsible for the explosion at the NNPCL 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 ageing 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.”

Akinboyewa stated that High-definition video footage from previous NAF missions, including recordings from December 2024, showed the wellhead leaking crude oil and the surrounding area already engulfed in flames before NAF operations commenced.

He said, “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 video recordings from the NAF platform, including footage from December 2024, clearly show the wellhead spilling oil and the barge already burnt before it arrived 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.”