By Tina Amanda
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has refuted claims of the alleged detention of an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt.
The Army described the report as misleading and aimed at spreading falsehood and misinformation.
In a statement released by Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, clarified that recent anti-oil bunkering operations had led to the arrest of several suspects, including Fisayo Soyombo, at an illegal oil bunkering site.
The statement reads:
“The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army has noted with utmost concern an allegation making the rounds on the social media. In the publication, it was alleged that the Nigerian Army detained an investigative journalist in Port Harcourt. 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.
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“You would 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 trailed 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 reassured the general public of its commitment and responsiveness in ensuring the activities of criminal gangs, particularly oil thieves, are drastically curbed in the region.
