ⓒ The Guardian Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo at an illegal oil bunkering site. This confirmation follows public outcry and a statement from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) announcing Soyombo’s three-day detention by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt. The army’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, explained that Soyombo’s arrest was part of a larger operation targeting a notorious gang involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. The army stated that Soyombo and other suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the oil theft activities.
The army emphasized its commitment to combating illegal oil bunkering, highlighting recent operational successes in curbing this criminal activity and boosting the nation’s oil and gas production. While the army maintains its position, the arrest continues to spark debate about press freedom and the potential for journalists to be caught in the crossfire of such operations.
