The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, stating that he was apprehended during an operation targeting an illegal oil bunkering site in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement released on Friday, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Port Harcourt, said that Soyombo was among the suspects arrested at the scene of the alleged crime. The army claimed that the arrests were made based on intelligence revealing the presence of a “notorious gang of oil thieves” known for damaging pipelines and making illegal connections to steal oil.

The statement comes in response to allegations by Sahara Reporters that Soyombo had been detained by the military. The army labeled these claims as “misleading” and emphasized that Soyombo’s arrest was solely connected to the anti-oil theft operation, not an arbitrary detention.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise,” the army’s statement read. “Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region.”

Soyombo, the founder and editor of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), is a well-known investigative reporter in Nigeria. The FIJ had earlier posted a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) stating that Soyombo was arrested three days ago by troops from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.

The army’s statement reiterated its commitment to cracking down on criminal gangs and oil thieves in the Niger Delta, expressing hope that these efforts will boost the country’s oil and gas production.

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