Why we arrested Journalist Fisayo Soyombo — Army

The Nigerian Army has broken silence on the arrest of Fisayo Soyombo, explaining why the Investigative journalist was arrested and currently being detained.

Army, in a post on its official X account on Friday, 29th November 2024, said Soyombo’s arrest and detention was part of a wider operation aimed at combating illegal oil bunkering and criminal activities in the region.

According to the statement, the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army arrested Soyombo at an illegal oil bunkering site, saying his detention was directly related to his presence at the site and alleged involvement in illicit oil activities, saying any claims suggesting otherwise were unfounded.

“We arrested Mr. Fisayo Soyombo because he was found at the scene of an illegal oil bunkering operation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

“His arrest is a direct result of our ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal gangs involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region.

“While we do not engage with falsehoods, it is important to set the record straight,” the statement read. “Mr. Soyombo’s arrest is directly tied to the ongoing operations against oil theft. Any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless and misleading.”

The added that Soyombo, among other suspects, was apprehended during a carefully planned military operation, adding that the investigation is currently undergoing preliminary investigations.

The 6th Division, however, reiterated its commitment to eradicating illegal oil operations, which are responsible for significant losses to the nation’s oil and gas resources.

“We remain focused on our mission to secure national resources and ensure the stability of oil production in the region,” Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma said.

“We encourage media outlets to always verify the accuracy of their reports,” the statement concluded.

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