The Nigerian Army has explained how a popular investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo was arrested along with other suspects who were involved in vandalism of pipelines. The 6 Army Division has also clarified the issue around the detention of the popular journalist.
Soyombo has carried out highly risky investigation on the Nigerian prisons, the customs and borders among others. The news of his arrest and detention by the army came on Friday though there was no earlier signal from him that he was carrying out any findings on the pipelines.
According to the spokesperson for the division, there were activities of notorious gang around the pipelines and that the suspects were engaging in illegal oil connection.
The statement signed by Danjuma Jonah Danjuma Lieutenant Colonel Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations said, “As part of its intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army has recorded significant successes. Recent intelligence uncovered the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region. In a carefully planned operation, troops tracked the suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, multiple arrests were made, including that of Mr Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene.”
The military added that all the suspects including the popular journalist are undergoing preliminary investigations. It added that his arrest was linked directly to the anti-oil theft operations in the region.
“The suspects, including Mr Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the illegal activities. His arrest is directly linked to the ongoing anti-oil theft operations in the region, and any claims suggesting otherwise are baseless. The Division strongly urges media outlets to verify the accuracy of their reports before disseminating information to the public.”
The statement concluded, “The 6 Division Nigerian Army remains committed to combating criminal activities, particularly oil theft, to ensure the protection of national resources and increased oil and gas production in the region. The Nigerian Army assures the public of its dedication to upholding security and welcomes constructive engagements to foster understanding and transparency.”
Mr. Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has been calling out the customs over the suspicious activities of its personnel in Ogun State.
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