The Nigerian Army has announced that Fisayo Soyombo is being investigated for oil theft.

This comes amid reports that popular investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo is being held by the Army in Port Harcourt.

However, in a statement released on Friday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, 6th Division Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said Fisayo Soyombo was one of those arrested among those involved in the oil theft.

However, he did not explain whether this was the same as the investigative journalist or whether the name was similar.

Danjuma highlighted the department’s recent achievements in combating illegal oil supply in the Niger Delta, explaining that intelligence had uncovered a gang engaged in pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

He stated that soldiers carried out a targeted operation at an illegal refueling site, which led to several arrests; among them was investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who was arrested at the scene.

“While the department does not want to compound issues with those who provide lies and misinformation, it is important to put the records in proper perspective.

“You may recall that the Division expanded its illegal oil bunkering operations and recorded major operational successes.

“More recently, intelligence has revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for illegal connections to bursting pipelines and theft of oil in the region.

“In a deliberate operation, soldiers tracked the criminals to an illegal oil refueling site.

“In a subsequent operation, soldiers raided the area where arrests were made, including Fisayo Soyombo, who was arrested at the scene,” he said.

The military noted that “the suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to determine whether they were involved.”

Soyombo’s recent arrest was linked to the activities of oil thieves operating in the Niger Delta region.

He reaffirmed his commitment to curbing oil theft and criminal activities, emphasizing that these efforts are aimed at increasing the country’s oil and gas production, and called on media organizations to verify their information before publishing to ensure the accuracy of the information.

“Therefore, his arrest is not unrelated to the activities of these oil thieves in the region.

“Therefore, it is important for media organizations to ensure the accuracy of their information before it is made public.

“The Department will wish to reassure the general public of its commitment and sensitivity to ensuring that the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are seriously disrupted in the area.

“It is hoped that this will support oil and gas production in the country,” he added.