The Nigerian Army has confirmed that one Fisayo Soyombo, a prominent investigative journalist, is being investigated in connection with oil theft.
The army did not however specified the said Fisayo is the prominent investigative journalist.
This revelation comes after reports circulated that Soyombo is currently in military custody in Port Harcourt, amid allegations of his involvement in illegal oil activities.
In an official statement released on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed Soyombo’s arrest. However, Danjuma did not clarify whether this is the same Fisayo Soyombo known for his investigative journalism work.
Military Operations Targeting Oil Thieves Intensified in Niger Delta
The statement emphasized the Army’s recent successes in combatting illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. Danjuma explained that military intelligence had exposed a gang involved in pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the region. As a result, a targeted operation was launched to dismantle this criminal network.
According to the Army, troops had tracked the suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site, where a number of arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo. The Army emphasized that Soyombo was apprehended at the scene of the operation, raising questions about his possible involvement.
Danjuma also addressed concerns about the potential spread of misinformation, stating that the Army would not engage with those attempting to distort the truth. He underscored the importance of presenting accurate information, particularly regarding high-profile arrests such as Soyombo’s.
The Division’s statement also mentioned that its anti-oil bunkering operations have been significantly scaled up. This intensified effort is aimed at addressing the growing problem of illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta, which has led to substantial losses for the Nigerian government and its oil sector.
Further investigation into the suspects is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the level of involvement of each individual in the illegal operations. The military clarified that Soyombo’s arrest is directly linked to the activities of oil thieves in the region.
Soyombo, a well-known journalist with a history of exposing corruption and criminal activities, was reportedly detained alongside other suspects connected to oil theft operations. His arrest has raised questions about the extent to which investigative journalists may become targets in such operations.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to fighting criminal gangs, particularly those involved in the illegal oil trade, which has severely impacted the country’s oil and gas sector. It stressed the importance of ensuring national security and boosting oil production by curbing these illicit activities.
In his statement, Danjuma urged media outlets to verify their information before publishing, cautioning against spreading unverified details that could fuel public confusion. He emphasized that the accuracy of reports is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of national security efforts.
While the Army has not revealed specific details about Soyombo’s role in the alleged oil theft, the investigation is expected to shed more light on the matter. The military has promised to keep the public informed as the case progresses.
The arrest of Soyombo comes amid increasing concerns about the scale of illegal oil theft in the Niger Delta. This criminal activity has been a major challenge for the Nigerian government, which is seeking to protect its oil infrastructure and restore the country’s dwindling oil production levels.
The military’s recent operations have had a significant impact on oil theft activities in the region, with multiple arrests and the destruction of illegal bunkering sites. The Army’s efforts are seen as a critical part of the ongoing battle to protect Nigeria’s oil wealth from organized criminal groups.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army has assured the public that it will continue its operations to combat oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta. The Army’s operations are viewed as essential to restoring order in the region and protecting Nigeria’s vital oil industry.
