“My Security Was Compromised”: Fisayo Soyombo Reveals Shocking Details of Army Detention

Renowned investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has shed light on his recent detention by the Nigerian Army, accusing them of compromising his safety during an undercover investigation into illegal oil bunkering in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Soyombo, who was held for three days by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, criticised their actions in linking him to oil thieves, a move he said endangered his life. Speaking to Arise News, he said, “I genuinely felt my security compromised for the first time. The acting spokesman of the Nigerian Army deliberately linked me to oil bunkerers, telling them I was on their trail. This happened while I was still in detention, even though I had made no mention of oil bunkering to the army.”

Explaining the events leading to his detention, Soyombo revealed that he was conducting an undercover investigation when a security official, upset about not receiving a bribe, tipped off others. “The illegal bunkerers bribe various security officials. Someone who didn’t get their share tipped off others, leading to my detention,” he said.

Contrary to the army’s claims that he was arrested at an illegal oil bunkering site, Soyombo clarified that he had approached military personnel under the assumption that they were part of a settlement process. “The army didn’t arrest me. They spotted me, and I stepped forward to open a conversation. I didn’t show my ID because I assumed they were part of a settlement arrangement, as suggested by the illegal bunkerers,” he explained.

The journalist admitted to not informing the army about his investigation due to mistrust, citing the involvement of security officials in illegal activities. “I didn’t carry them along because I didn’t trust them. Known illegal bunkerers were bribing security officials, and involving the army could have endangered me,” he said.

While detained, Soyombo maintained his cover as an oil thief until he was taken to the 6th Division headquarters, where he disclosed his true identity and provided proof of his work.

Reflecting on his experience, Soyombo criticised the lack of press freedom in Nigeria and the hostility investigative journalists face from security agencies. “Security personnel don’t want to hear the word ‘investigation.’ It changes their attitude immediately,” he observed.

He also expressed concern about the implications of his detention for efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering. “The Nigerian Army should have seen me as a partner in ending oil bunkering. Instead, they compromised my security,” he said.

Soyombo credited public pressure for securing his release. “If it hadn’t been reported in the media, I would still be in detention. They denied me access to my lawyer and instructed soldiers not to let me use their phones,” he revealed.