The Headquarters of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has refuted allegations circulating on social media that it unlawfully detained an investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, in Port Harcourt.
The Army clarified in a statement released on Friday that Soyombo’s arrest was tied to an anti-illegal oil bunkering operation, which aimed to dismantle a notorious gang of oil thieves in the region.
The Division stated that it recently intensified operations against illegal oil bunkering, resulting in significant successes. According to the statement, intelligence reports revealed the activities of a gang responsible for pipeline vandalism and oil theft. During an operation targeting one of their illegal sites, several individuals, including Soyombo, were apprehended.
“Troops trailed the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. In a subsequent operation, arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo who was at the scene,” said Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations.
The Army emphasized that the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement or innocence. It assured the public that the arrest was connected to efforts to combat oil theft, urging media outlets to verify their reports before dissemination.
“This publication by Sahara Reporters is misleading. The Division remains committed to curbing the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, to boost the nation’s oil and gas production,” the statement added.
The Army reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region, highlighting that its operations are geared toward safeguarding national assets and improving security.
Soyombo’s arrest has generated reactions across social media platforms, with calls for transparency in the investigation and respect for press freedom. The Army, however, assured the public of fairness in its investigative process.
Comments