Why we arrested Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo – Nigerian Army
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Nigerian Army has claimed that its arrest of ace investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, was because the journalist was found at the scene of oil bunkering operations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Fisayo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested by the army, according to a post by the website via its X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The post reads: “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,” FIJ said
However, a post on X by Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, a Lieutenant Colonel who is the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, claimed the journalist’s arrest was in connection with its investigation on oil bunkering activities.
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The post reads: “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 6 Division Nigerian Army remains committed to combating criminal activities, particularly oil theft, to protect national resources and increase oil and gas production in the region. The Nigerian Army assures the public of its dedication to upholding security and welcomes constructive engagements to foster understanding and transparency.”
Fisayo has been known for his undercover investigative works that have exposed fraud in the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Customs, and many other sectors. There are strong indications that he might have been arrested while exposing the cabal behind oil theft in Nigeria.