Flap operator
On a subject as delicate as this, we have to try and avoid both uninformed speculation and repeating information that could turn out to be disinformation. Remember that there are people working in Africa in the petroleum industry who could be affected by what we write.
Having said that, there is considerable relevant information in this thread that comes from what appear to me to be fairly reliable sources, notably concerning the provenance of the aircraft in question, that did not make it to 'The Economist' article. To edit is to choose. The omissions of the magazine article appear to be related to the possible connections that you are inferring.
Moreover, the consistent selection of operatives that do not have European passports shows political sensitivity on behalf of the operation's sponsors.