Airstrikes: We will verify claims of destroying local gin distillery in Umuebele – NAF

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, said its airstrikes has successfully disrupted clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.

It said the operation, conducted by the Air Component under ongoing counter-oil theft missions, forms part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force said, during the mission, NAF aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza.

It said the location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance.

According to the statement, the aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations.

“Following the operation, the attention of the NAF was drawn to a statement by a group alleging that the airstrikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.”

”In line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), the NAF has initiated necessary steps to verify this situation, just as the Service reaffirms its adherence to international best practices and remains firmly committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians while ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.”

The statement further added that the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting other security agencies in curbing criminal activities, while ensuring that operations are intelligence-driven, precise, and conducted with utmost regard for civilian safety.