Nigerian Army Confirms Arrest of Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Over Alleged Oil Bunkering Activities
The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has disclosed that investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested in connection with alleged illegal oil bunkering activities. The journalist has reportedly been detained for three days.
The arrest has sparked a heated debate over press freedom, with the FIJ issuing a statement demanding Soyombo’s immediate release. The organization condemned his detention and raised concerns over increasing threats to journalists in Nigeria.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days now. Journalism is not a crime,” the FIJ stated.
Army Justifies Arrest
In response, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, issued a statement clarifying the circumstances of Soyombo’s detention. According to the army, Soyombo was apprehended during an operation targeting oil thieves in the Port Harcourt region.
The statement, titled “Alleged Detention of Journalist in Port Harcourt, Misleading”, outlined the events leading to the arrest.
“Intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal connections. Troops, acting on this intelligence, conducted a deliberate operation at an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made. Among those arrested was one Fisayo Soyombo, who was apprehended at the scene,” the statement read.
The army emphasized that Soyombo, along with other suspects, is undergoing preliminary investigations to determine his level of involvement.
Army Criticizes Media Misinformation
Danjuma cautioned media outlets to verify information before publishing, accusing some platforms of spreading falsehoods.
“While the Division will not join issues with purveyors of misinformation, it is critical to clarify that Soyombo’s arrest is tied to the activities of these oil thieves. Media outlets must ensure their reports are accurate and not misleading,” the statement continued.
Reassurance to the Public
The army reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region, a practice that has significantly impacted the country’s oil and gas production.
“The Division remains resolute in its anti-oil bunkering operations, and we assure the public of our dedication to curbing the activities of criminal gangs in the region,” Danjuma added.
Broader Concerns About Press Freedom
Soyombo, widely recognized for his investigative journalism on corruption and human rights abuses, has previously faced threats and harassment in his line of work. His detention has reignited concerns about press freedom in Nigeria, with critics viewing his arrest as a potential attempt to silence independent journalism.
The case is expected to draw significant scrutiny in the coming days, as advocates for press freedom demand transparency in the investigation and the journalist’s release. Meanwhile, the military maintains that the arrest was part of its broader efforts to secure the nation’s resources.
