The Nigerian Army has confirmed the detention of Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who has been in detention for three days since he was arrested in connection with illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Soyombo has been leading a campaign against the smuggling and corruption allegedly perpetuated by Nigeria Customs officials at the borders of the country.
Speaking on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, pointed out that Soyombo, who was arrested at the scene of the oil bunkering activities, is currently undergoing preliminary investigations.
“As part of its intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army has recorded significant successes. Recent intelligence uncovered the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region. In a carefully planned operation, troops tracked the suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, multiple arrests were made, including that of Mr Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene.
“The suspects, including Mr Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the illegal activities. His arrest is directly linked to the ongoing anti-oil theft operations in the region, and any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless. The Division strongly urges media outlets to verify the accuracy of their reports before disseminating information to the public.”
Danjuma who spoke only after a public outcry by the Foundation for Investigative Journalists published a report on the arrest of its founder by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army stated that the reports on social media were false and assured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to combating criminal activities, particularly oil theft, to ensure the protection of national resources and increased oil and gas production in the region.
