Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, saying he was taken into custody from an illegal oil bunkering site.
Soyombo’s media outfit, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), on Friday, November 29, 2024, revealed that he had beeb in Army custody for the past three days on X (formerly Twitter).
It read, “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.”
Reacting to the disclosure, the army said in a statement released on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, that the operation leading to Soyombo’s detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.
He added that the suspects arrested at the site, including Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.
Danjuma said. “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.
“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 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.