The Nigerian Army has declared that the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, FIJ, Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, was arrested in connection with the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the Niger Delta area.
The Nigerian Army made the declaration on Friday in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
Danjuma said 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.”
He, however, said investigation was ongoing to determine the level of involvement of those arrested in the illegal activities.
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The statement by the Army reads in full:
NIGERIAN ARMY CLARIFIES ALLEGED DETENTION OF JOURNALIST IN PORT HARCOURT
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 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.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations
November 29, 2024
