The Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has distanced itself from investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who was recently apprehended by the Nigerian Army in connection with alleged oil theft in the Niger Delta. The NUJ Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley, confirmed that Soyombo is not a registered member of the union in Rivers State, raising questions about his activities in the region.
In an official statement, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, clarified that Soyombo was arrested during a targeted operation at an illegal oil bunkering site. According to Danjuma, the operation was based on intelligence that identified a notorious gang involved in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
“Several suspects were arrested during the operation, including an individual who identified himself as a journalist but was found at the illegal bunkering site,” Danjuma disclosed.
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The Army revealed that Soyombo’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into criminal networks responsible for sabotaging Nigeria’s oil production. Preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine his involvement in the illegal activities.
The Army has pushed back against narratives framing the incident as an attack on press freedom, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic resources. “The detention of this individual is directly linked to our investigation into oil theft, not an attempt to stifle journalism,” Danjuma clarified.
He urged media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation and to prioritize factual reporting, particularly in sensitive cases like this.
