The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Fisayo Soyombo is being probed for oil theft.
This comes as rumors indicate that prominent investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo is being seized by the Army in Port Harcourt.
However, in a statement made on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, stated that Fisayo Soyombo was detained as part of the oil theft investigation.
He did not, however, say whether this was the same as the investigative journalist or a name semblance.
Danjuma emphasized the division’s recent gains in combating illicit oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, stating that intelligence had discovered a group responsible for pipeline destruction and oil theft.
He added that forces launched a targeted operation at an illegal bunkering site, resulting in many arrests, including Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist who was detained on the spot.
“While the Division will not wish to engage in disputes with purveyors of lies and disinformation, it is critical to place the records in correct context.
“You will recall that the Division has increased its anti-illegal oil bunkering activities, with significant operational results reported.
“Recently, intelligence showed 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 military noted that the “suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise.”
It clarified that the recent arrest of Soyombo is linked to the activities of oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta region.
It urged media outlets to verify their information before publishing to ensure accuracy, as it reaffirmed its dedication to curbing oil theft and criminal activities, emphasizing that these efforts aim to boost the nation’s oil and gas production.
“Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region.
“It is, therefore, important for media outlets to ensure the veracity of their information before they place them in the public domain.
“The Division will like to reassure the general public of its commitment and responsiveness in ensuring the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are drastically curbed in the region.
“This, it is hoped, will shore up oil and gas production in the country,” he added.
