NAF not responsible for Buguma NNPCL’s Wellhead explosion – AVM Akinboyewa
BY ANDREW OROLUA
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it was not responsible for the explosion at the NNPC wellhead in Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State as suggested by some media outlets.
Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Forces, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F Akinboyewa said the suggestions or claims by the media are unfounded and false.
AVM Akinboyewa noted that 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 has burnt before NAF personnel arrival at the location.
We explained the situation in which NAF met the facility adding that the wellhead had been leaking crude oil due to prolonged illegal activities in the area.
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.
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“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.”he stated
AVM Akinboyewa urged media outlets to exercise due diligence by verifying facts before publishing, rather than relying on assumptions
He assured the public that 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.
