The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated an investigation following claims that an airstrike targeting illegal refining sites in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, may have inadvertently struck a local gin distillery.
After the operation carried out on Tuesday, efforts continued to dismantle illegal crude oil refining activities across the Niger Delta region.
According to the NAF, the airstrike was guided by verified intelligence, identifying active illegal refining camps hidden within a densely forested area near Owaza.
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In a statement on Friday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the aircrew engaged the identified targets with precision, successfully destroying the sites and halting illegal activities.
He stated, “In a precise and intelligence-driven operation on 7 October 2025, the NAF successfully disrupted clusters of illegal crude oil refining sites deep within the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
“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.
“During the mission, NAF aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza. The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations.”
Ejodame added that the NAF was later made aware of reports from a local group claiming that the airstrike affected a nearby gin distillery in the Umuebele community, although no casualties were reported.
He said, “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, the NAF has initiated necessary steps to verify this situation.”
The development comes amid previous incidents of accidental airstrikes in Nigeria, which have heightened scrutiny over target identification and intelligence verification procedures.
In May 2025, the NAF introduced the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) to reinforce safeguards against unintended civilian harm during operations.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to continuing intelligence-driven counter-oil theft missions, aimed at protecting both the environment and national economy, while ensuring operations are precise and minimize civilian impact.
