Soldiers from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army on Friday released an investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo arrested at an oil bunkering site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The arrest of Fisayo Soyombo had sparked an outrage with individuals and groups including Amnesty International and political activists like Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju calling for his release.
In a statement on Friday, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), an organisation founded by Soyombo, confirmed his release.
The statement reads: “We can confirm that our founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo has now been released by the Nigerian Army, following the intense media campaign you all mounted.
“FIJ acknowledges the Nigerian Army’s deliberate mischaracterisation to suggest an involvement in “illegal oil bunkering.
FIJ will also address this statement appropriately.
“Our immediate concern is regarding the safety of ‘Fisayo Soyombo in view of extensive information sharing with the Army on his fieldwork during the period of his detention.
“We are assessing the situation and hoping that his safety will not be jeopardised after release.”
Clarifying Soyombo’s arrest earlier, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations. The spokesperson of 6 Division Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma earlier said that Soyombo was arrested by army personnel on patrol at the site of an illegal oil bunkering.
The Nigerian Army, had on Friday, announced the arrest and detention of journalist Fisayo Soyombo in connection with an illegal bunkering operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
According to Lt-Col. Danjuma, Mr Soyombo was arrested during a raid on an illegal bunkering site in the area.
The statement read, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has expressed concern over allegations circulating on social media that it detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt.
“While the Division does not typically engage with the purveyors of falsehoods, it is necessary to set the record straight.
“As part of its intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, the 6 Division Nigerian Army has recorded significant successes. Recent intelligence uncovered the activities of a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal oil connections in the region.
“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 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.”
