Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, alongside other suspects, during a raid on an illegal oil bunkering site in Rivers State.
The arrest, which sparked public outcry, was reported by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), founded by Soyombo.
The FIJ stated on Friday that Soyombo had been detained for three days by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
Soyombo is widely known for his investigative reports, including recent allegations of corruption in the Nigeria Customs Service.
In a statement, Danjuma Danjuma, acting deputy director of public relations at the 6 Division, dismissed claims that Soyombo’s arrest was unrelated to criminal activities.
He described such reports as “misleading” and clarified the circumstances of the journalist’s detention.
The statement read, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has expressed concern over allegations circulating on social media that it detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. While the Division does not typically engage with the purveyors of falsehoods, it is necessary to set the record straight.
“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.”
The Army reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft and other criminal activities in the region, assuring the public of its dedication to protecting national resources and fostering security. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.