NAF Vows to Investigate Claims Its Airstrike Hit Local Gin Distillery in Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that it will verify claims that one of its recent airstrikes, aimed at crushing illegal crude oil refineries in Rivers State, mistakenly destroyed a local gin distillery in the Umuebele area. The military service stated it is committed to transparency and its Civilian Harm Mitigation plan.

Dependable NG reports that the NAF, operating its Air Component under ongoing counter-oil theft missions, confirmed it successfully disrupted multiple clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area. A reporter for Dependable NG noted that the operation near Owaza was part of sustained efforts to combat economic sabotage and environmental damage in the Niger Delta region.

According to a statement from Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF Headquarters, the mission involved aerial surveillance that identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza. The sites were confirmed via credible intelligence and appeared completely isolated with no visible human activity. The aircrew subsequently engaged the targets with precision, neutralizing the sites and halting illegal operations.

However, following the successful mission, the NAF’s attention was drawn to a statement from a group claiming that the airstrikes impacted a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.

In response, the NAF stated it has “initiated necessary steps to verify this situation,” in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP). The service reaffirmed its adherence to international best practices and its firm commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and property while ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations. The NAF concluded by stressing its commitment to intelligence-driven, precise operations conducted with the utmost regard for civilian safety.