The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo during an operation at an illegal oil bunkering site in the Niger Delta. This statement comes in response to public outcry following revelations by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) that Soyombo had been detained by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt for three days.
FIJ, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Soyombo’s detention, asserting, “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime.”
Addressing the incident, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, explained that Soyombo was apprehended during a targeted operation against a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.
“The Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma stated. “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. During an operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. Arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”
Danjuma emphasized that Soyombo, along with other suspects, is undergoing preliminary investigations to determine his involvement in the activities at the site. “The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”
The Army reassured the public of its commitment to eradicating oil theft and associated criminal activities in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that such operations are crucial for boosting the nation’s oil and gas production.
“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, in the region, which will ultimately help increase oil and gas production in the country,” Danjuma concluded.
