The Nigerian Army has revealed that Fisayo Soyombo is under investigation for alleged involvement in oil theft.
This follows reports that the renowned investigative journalist is being detained by the Army in Port Harcourt.
In a statement released today, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, confirmed that Fisayo Soyombo was among those apprehended in connection with oil theft activities.
He did not clarify whether the individual arrested was the investigative journalist or merely someone with a similar name.
Danjuma outlined the division’s recent achievements in combating illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, noting that intelligence had identified a group engaged in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
He explained that troops carried out a focused operation at an illegal bunkering site, resulting in several arrests, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, identified as an investigative journalist, who was reportedly apprehended at the location.
The Division is not inclined to engage with those spreading falsehoods and misinformation but finds it necessary to set the record straight.
“You may recall that the Division has intensified its operations against illegal oil bunkering, achieving significant successes.
“Recently, intelligence uncovered the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region.
During a planned operation, troops tracked the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site.
“In a follow-up operation, troops raided the site and made several arrests, including one Fisayo Soyombo, who was apprehended at the scene,” he stated.
The military added that the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement.
The military clarified that Soyombo’s recent arrest is connected to the operations of oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.
It called on media organizations to verify their reports before publication to ensure accuracy. The military also reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft and other criminal activities, highlighting that these efforts are geared toward enhancing the country’s oil and gas production.
“Thus, his arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region,” it stated.