The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo at an illegal oil bunkering site.
This comes after the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) disclosed on X (formerly Twitter) that Soyombo, its founder, had been held in custody by the Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt for three days. “Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ stated.
In a statement on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, clarified that Soyombo's detention occurred during a targeted operation based on intelligence about a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections.
“The 6 Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant successes,” Danjuma said. “Recent intelligence led troops to an illegal bunkering site where several arrests were made, including Fisayo Soyombo, who was detained at the scene.”
Danjuma explained that all suspects, including Soyombo, are undergoing preliminary investigations to establish their involvement in the illegal activities. “Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the broader operation against oil theft in the region,” he stated, urging media outlets to verify information before publication.
He further reassured the public of the Division's commitment to tackling oil theft and other criminal activities, emphasizing that such efforts are vital for boosting the nation’s oil and gas production.
