Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has revealed he did not involve the Nigerian military in his recent investigation into crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, citing allegations that some security personnel collaborate with the perpetrators.
Soyombo was recently detained by the Nigerian Army for three days. The army alleged that the seasoned journalist was arrested during a raid on an illegal bunkering site in the region. However, he was released after news of his detention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, sparked widespread social media outrage.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Friday, Soyombo explained his decision not to work with the military, attributing it to the alleged complicity of some personnel in the illegal activity.
“The most important point to note is that illegal oil bunkerers bribe security operatives across various agencies to facilitate their activities. The real story is that those tasked with stopping bunkering are, in fact, collaborators and allies of the perpetrators. That is why I could not involve the military,” Soyombo said.
The journalist further claimed his cover was blown to the bunkerers by certain military personnel.
“These individuals knew everything about me while I was in detention. I hadn’t spoken to anyone, nor was I allowed a phone call until Friday evening, shortly before my release. How did the illegal bunkerers have so much information about me? This vindicates my decision not to involve the military from the outset,” he explained.
Despite his allegations, Soyombo acknowledged that some military personnel are genuinely committed to ending illegal oil bunkering.
Renowned for his fearless investigative journalism, Soyombo has conducted several high-profile undercover investigations, including exposés on the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and the Nigeria Customs Service.