Award-winning investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has been arrested by the Nigerian Army during an operation targeting oil theft.
The arrest, which has sparked widespread outcry, is being linked to a military campaign against economic sabotage in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Soyombo, known for his fearless exposés on corruption and malpractice, was reportedly detained alongside several others during a raid on what the military described as an illegal oil operation.
While the Army maintains that the arrests were part of efforts to combat crude oil theft, many believe Soyombo’s detention is a targeted response to his investigative reporting.
News of Soyombo’s arrest has drawn swift condemnation from media organizations, human rights groups, and public figures.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors issued a statement demanding his immediate release, describing his detention as a threat to press freedom.
Amnesty International Nigeria also weighed in, urging the government to ensure the protection of journalists and prevent the misuse of security operations to silence dissent. "Journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or reprisal," the group stated.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement, asserted that Soyombo’s arrest was incidental to the broader operation targeting illegal oil bunkering activities.
"Our focus remains on protecting Nigeria’s economic assets and apprehending those involved in criminal activities," a spokesperson said. However, no direct evidence has been provided linking Soyombo to the alleged oil theft.
The incident has ignited a national debate about press freedom and the potential misuse of security operations.
Activists argue that Soyombo’s arrest could deter journalists from holding public officials accountable, further eroding democratic principles.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand his release, using the hashtag #FreeFisayoSoyombo to amplify their voices.
"Journalism is not a crime," one post read, reflecting the widespread sentiment that his detention is unjust.
As calls for transparency grow louder, all eyes are on the Nigerian Army and government officials to clarify the circumstances surrounding Soyombo’s arrest.
Media organizations and civil society groups have pledged to continue advocating for his freedom, vowing to resist any attempt to suppress the press.
This arrest, coming amid efforts to combat oil theft, underscores the delicate balance between national security and the protection of fundamental rights.
The resolution of this case will likely have lasting implications for Nigeria’s democratic values and press freedom.