The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested and detained investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

The spokesperson for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, saying Mr Soyombo was arrested during an operation against oil thieves and pipeline vandals as the army intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations.

Mr Danjuma said, “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site. During the operation, arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region. It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”

Stating that the army is investigating the arrested suspects, including Mr Soyombo, to ascertain their level of involvement in the crime, Mr Danjuma reassured of the division’s resolve to curb oil theft.

Mr Soyombo’s arrest was first announced by the Foundation For Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which tweeted that the army arrested him three days ago.

“The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, three days running. Journalism is not a crime,” FIJ tweeted Friday.

The media outlet disclosed in another tweet that the journalist’s devices had been seized.

“All his devices have been seized. The army must preserve his evidence and truth. Don’t destroy the evidence. We insist the truth must come out. It’s in your custody, don’t destroy the evidence,” FIJ warned.

Mr Soyombo’s arrest comes after making several revelations for months about the involvement of security operatives in the smuggling of rice, cars, motorcycles, drugs, and weapons into the country.