29th November, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Nigerian Army had claimed that its troops arrested popular investigative journalist and publisher of FIJ, Fisayo Soyombo, in relation to ongoing investigations into oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, a Lieutenant Colonel and spokesperson of the the 6 Division of Nigerian Army said this in a statement on Friday.
The statement was issued in reaction to claims on the social media that Soyombo has been arrested and detained without any tangible reason by the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for about three days.
However, the Army, in the statement by Danjuma, claimed that Fisayo Soyombo was arrested during investigation of the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the Niger Delta region.
According to the statement, troops had tracked the suspects to a bunkering site where multiple arrests were made.
The Army said Soyombo was one of those arrested at the site.
“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 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 Army said in the statement.
“The Division strongly urges media outlets to verify the accuracy of their reports before disseminating information to the public.
“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,” the statement concluded.
