The Nigerian Army has revealed that Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, has been arrested and being investigated for oil theft.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 29, 2024, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, stated that Fisayo Soyombo was one of those arrested in connection with oil theft.

It was not further explained if the arrested Soyombo was the same investigative journalist or someone with a similar name.

Danjuma mentioned that the arrest occurred during the Army’s latest operation to combat illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

He explained that intelligence had uncovered a gang involved in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

Troops conducted a targeted operation at an illegal bunkering site, leading to multiple arrests, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was apprehended at the scene.

“While the Division will not want to join issues with purveyors of falsehood and misinformation, It is important to put the records in proper perspective.

“You would recall that the Division has scaled up its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations with huge operational successes recorded.

“Only recently, intelligence revealed 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.

“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.