The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has described as misleading the story of detaining an investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, saying that he was arrested with others in an oil bunkers site.
Foundation for Investigative Journalism had exposed the detention of Soyombo on x.com, says : “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder @fisayosoyombo
3 days running.
Journalism is not a crime!
Part of a statement issued on Friday, November 29, by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, read: “While the Division will not want to join issues with purveyors of falsehood and misinformation, It is important to put the records in proper perspective.
“You will recall that the Division has scaled up its anti illegal oil bunkering operations with huge operational successes recorded.
“Only recently, intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves noted for bursting pipelines and illegal connections for oil theft in the region.
“In a deliberate operation conducted, troops trailled the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. In a subsequent operation carried out, troops swooped on the site, where arrests were made, including one Fisayo Soyombo, who was also arrested at the scene.
“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise.
“Therefore, his arrest is not unconnected with the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is, therefore, important for media outlets to ensure the veracity of their information before they place them in the public domain.
“The Division will like to reassure the general public of its commitment and responsiveness in ensuring the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are drastically curbed in the region.
“This, it is hoped, will shore up oil and gas production in the country.”
