The Nigerian Army has confirmed that investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo is under investigation in connection with oil theft.
This confirmation follows reports that Soyombo, a well-known investigative journalist, is being detained by the Army in Port Harcourt.
In a statement released on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, stated that Soyombo was among those arrested during an operation targeting illegal oil theft.
However, Danjuma did not explicitly confirm whether the individual in custody is the same journalist, nor did he provide additional details about the arrest.
Danjuma also emphasized the Army’s recent efforts in combating illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
He explained that intelligence revealed a criminal network engaged in pipeline vandalism and oil theft, prompting a focused operation at an illegal bunkering site.
The operation resulted in multiple arrests, including that of Soyombo, who was reportedly detained at the scene.
“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 trailed 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,” he said.
The military stated that the “suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine the extent of their involvement, if any.”
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It further clarified that Soyombo’s recent arrest is connected to the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The military also urged media organizations to verify their information before reporting to ensure accuracy.
It reiterated its commitment to tackling oil theft and other criminal activities, stressing that these actions are crucial for enhancing the country’s oil and gas production.
“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,” he added.
