- The journalist has repeatedly accused officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of complicity in smuggling.
- On November 18, he released a series of videos to back his smuggling allegations.
The Nigerian Army has acknowledged that Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, was taken into custody at an alleged illicit oil bunkering site.
The army’s confirmation came in response to widespread concerns about Soyombo’s detention.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism revealed on X that Soyombo had been held in army custody for three days.
“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ stated.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed Soyombo’s arrest, explaining that it followed intelligence on a notorious gang of oil thieves.
Danjuma stated that Soyombo and other suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their involvement.
“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said.
“Intelligence revealed a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. Troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made, including Soyombo.”
“The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves. Media outlets must ensure accuracy in their reporting,” Danjuma added.
“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, to increase oil and gas production in the country,” Danjuma concluded.
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