The Nigerian Army in a statement on its X account has announced that it arrested and detained Fisayo Soyombo an investigative journalist in linkage with oil bunkering in Port Harcourt as against the narrative circulating online.
The Nigerian Journalist has been in the custody of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, 6 Division, Port Harcourt since on Tuesday 26th November 2024.
There has been allegation that Soyombo was arrested over his investigation into the Nigerian Customs activities at the Border where he exposed a syndicate that illegally moved 130,000 bags of rice into country from Bebe, Benin to Sango, presenting the customs with overwhelming evidences.
Nigerians have called the Army out over the purported arrest of the journalist saying that they don’t have any right to arrest and detain him, demanding his immediate release.
However, the 6 Division Army expressed concern through its Public Relations Officer, Acting Deputy Director, Lieutenant colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma over allegations circulating on social media.
Col. Danjuma stated that the troops during an operation arrested the journalist alongside some gang involved in pipeline vandalism and anti-oil theft.
The PR officer claimed that any narrative contrary to the statement from the Army is false and should not be given credence to, while urging media outlets to verify information before disseminating to the general public.
The press statement read: “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 ensure the protection of national resources and increased 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.” He concluded
By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
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