Fisayo Soyombo: Nigerian Investigative Journalist Detained by Nigerian Army on Allegations of Illegal Bunkering

Fisayo Soyombo, a Nigerian investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been arrested and detained by the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to a statement released by the Foundation For Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on its official page on Friday morning, Soyombo has been detained for the past three days.

Soyombo’s detention may not be unconnected to his work exposing corruption and smugglers aided by Nigerian Customs Services, an issue on which he dropped video evidence to back his claim.

Illegal Smuggling Revelation

In November 2022, Soyombo attempted to smuggle 100 bags of rice into Nigeria from the Benin Republic; he succeeded in bringing the rice into the country but had to sell off the goods due to customs operatives.

However, he was able to find evidence of customs operatives collaborating with smugglers to bring illegal goods into the country, and in February 2024 he released video footage of the encounter.

Army Response

Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, while confirming Soyombo’s arrest in a statement on Friday, said that the operation leading to Soyombo’s arrest and detention followed intelligence regarding a notorious gang of oil thieves involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the region.

Danjuma disclosed that the suspects arrested at the site, including Soyombo, are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement in the crime.

The Army spokesman 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.

“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. Media outlets need to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”

The statement further said, “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.”

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