Nigerian investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has raised alarm over the extensive security cover allegedly provided to illegal oil bunkering operations in the country.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s morning show, Soyombo, who is also the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), recounted his harrowing experience of being arrested by the Nigerian Army while conducting an undercover investigation. He highlighted the entrenched corruption and complicity within the system that allows oil bunkering to flourish.
While acknowledging the presence of honest officers within the military, Soyombo emphasized the urgent need to purge saboteurs who facilitate these illegal activities. “The issue goes beyond the oil bunkerers themselves,” he said, “as those tasked with overseeing and protecting the sector are often complicit.” He called for a complete overhaul of the system, noting that such reform is crucial for stemming the tide of oil theft.
“It would shock you to know the kinds of people who escort illegal oil bunkers out of Port Harcourt,” he revealed. He also criticized the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson for jeopardizing his safety by publicly disclosing details of his investigation.
Despite the risks associated with investigative journalism in Nigeria, Soyombo expressed his commitment to exposing the systemic failings that threaten the nation’s security and economy. “This is not about the thrill of undercover work,” he explained. “It’s about shedding light on the dangerous realities we face. People need to feel safe in their country, and we must expose these wrongdoings to bring change.”
Soyombo further highlighted the alarming scale of crude oil theft, suggesting that official figures grossly underestimate the magnitude of the problem. He recounted an incident where a shipment of 50,000 barrels of crude oil was nearly smuggled out, and only stopped because a disgruntled individual exposed the operation after being denied a bribe.
“There is no institution in this country that can accurately track the volume of crude oil being stolen daily,” he added, underscoring the systemic failures in monitoring and accountability.
Soyombo’s revelations shed light on the multifaceted challenges of combating oil theft in Nigeria, from weak institutional oversight to deep-seated corruption within the security forces. His work underscores the critical role of investigative journalism in holding power to account, even in the face of significant personal risk.
