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Why Nigerian Army Is Holding Investigative Journalist, Soyombo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed it had been holding investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo for three days now, stating reason.
It stated this today in a statement signed, by Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma.
According to the Nigerian Army, the operation leading to Soyombo’s detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.
Soyombo, alongside other suspects arrested at the site, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement, Danjuma said.
“You will recall that the Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes.
“Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site.
“During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”
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“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish,” he added.
“The Division reassures the public of its commitment to curbing criminal activities, particularly oil theft, in the region, which will ultimately help increase oil and gas production in the country,” Danjuma concluded.
The Eagle reports that the reaction from the Nigerian Army followed public reaction to the arrest and detention of the journalist.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) had on X (formerly Twitter) post announced Soyombo’s arrest and detention for the past 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”, it had said.