Investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo Exposes Military Sabotage In Oil Bunkering

Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has made startling revelations following his release from detention by the Nigerian Army.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Soyombo disclosed that he was arrested while conducting an undercover investigation into the illegal oil bunkering trade.

He alleged that high-ranking individuals provide security for illegal bunkerers, facilitating the theft of crude oil. “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkerers out of Port Harcourt,” he stated, adding that the Army spokesman compromised his safety by disclosing details of his findings online.

Soyombo criticized systemic corruption within the military and the oil sector, describing crude oil theft figures as grossly underestimated.

“The crude we were to move was for 50,000 barrels. Without intervention, two trucks would have been smuggled out,” he explained, emphasizing that both bunkerers and supervisors within the oil industry are complicit in the theft.

Despite the risks, Soyombo pledged to continue his investigative work, calling for an overhaul of the system to address these wrongdoings and ensure Nigerians feel safe in their country.

His arrest has sparked conversations about the dangers faced by journalists uncovering corruption in sensitive sectors like oil and security.