Human rights and community advocacy groups have condemned the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) following reports that its personnel attacked and vandalized the factory of a local businessman producing traditional gin in Rivers State, mistaking it for an illegal crude oil refinery.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the business premises of Barine Friday, a resident of Aloma Umuegbele 3, Etche Local Government Area. Friday explained that his factory produces dry gin, locally known as "kai-kai," through refining palm wine a trade he inherited and has been operating for over 16 years after the death of his father.
According to Friday, NAF personnel stormed the factory early in the morning, fired gunshots, and destroyed materials primarily used for producing the gin. He expressed surprise as the area frequently experiences Air Force patrols, sometimes multiple times a day, without incident. However, on this occasion, the operatives targeted his factory without asking questions, causing fear and disruption.
Friday clarified that the business is strictly legal and has no connection to illegal crude oil refining or bunkering activities, which are prevalent criminal enterprises in parts of the Niger Delta. Only one worker was present during the attack and had to flee for safety after the gunshots were fired.
In response, the Nigerian Air Force acknowledged the report and stated that it has initiated verification in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. The Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, assured the public that findings from the ongoing investigation will be made public once completed. He reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property while conducting operations against criminal elements.
This incident has sparked outrage among local communities and advocacy organizations, who called on the Nigerian Air Force to exercise caution and conduct thorough verifications before launching attacks. They urged that the rights and livelihoods of innocent civilians must be safeguarded to prevent unintended harm and injustices.