The Nigerian Army’s 6th Division has revealed why investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo was arrested.
The army stated that Soyombo was apprehended during an operation targeting illegal oil bunkering activities.
The journalist, known for his in-depth reporting on corruption and human rights issues, was detained alongside other individuals at an oil theft site in Port Harcourt.
The Army clarified that all individuals involved are undergoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in the illicit activities.
The statement from the army read:
“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.”
Soyombo’s detention has drawn attention, with his organization, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), calling for his immediate release and expressing concern over the state of press freedom in the country.
