The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has disclosed that its personnel arrested investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo on allegations of involvement in illegal oil bunkering.
According to reports, Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been in detention for three days.
In a statement on Friday, the FIJ called for his immediate release and expressed concern over the growing threats to press freedom in Nigeria.
Soyombo, renowned for his investigative reporting on issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has faced multiple threats and instances of harassment in the past.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo 3 days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ said.
In response, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6th Division, confirmed the arrest, stating that Soyombo was detained alongside other individuals suspected of participating in oil bunkering. He added that all suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.
The statement titled ‘ALLEGED DETENTION OF JOURNALIST IN PORT HARCOURT, MISLEADING’ reads: “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has noted with utmost concern an allegation making the rounds on the social media by Sahara reporters today, 29 November 2024. In the publication, it was alleged that the Nigerian Army detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. While the Division will not want to join issues with purveyors of falsehood and misinformation, It is important to put the records in proper perspective.
“You would recall that the Division has scaled up its anti illegal oil bunkering operations with huge operational successes recorded. Only recently, intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region. In a deliberate operation conducted, troops trailled the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo who was also arrested at the scene.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise. Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is, therefore, important for media outlets to ensure the veracity of their information before they place them in the public domain.
“The Division will like to reassure the general public of its commitment and responsiveness in ensuring the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are drastically curbed in the region. This, it is hoped will shore up oil and gas production in the country.”