The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo at an illegal oil bunkering site in the Niger Delta region.
The arrest took place during an operation against oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Soyombo was apprehended alongside other individuals suspected of involvement in these illegal activities.
The Army, through the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, stated that intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections.
“While the Division will not want to join issues with purveyors of falsehood and misinformation, It is important to put the records in proper perspective.
“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 trailed 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,” he said.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which Soyombo leads, has raised concerns about the arrest and called for the preservation of evidence on Soyombo’s devices. They insist that journalism is not a crime and have demanded his immediate release.
This development has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from various quarters, with many calling for Soyombo’s release and the protection of press freedom.
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