How Crude Oil Theft Thrives Under Military Protection – Fisayo Soyombo

The founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, has shed light on the deep-seated complicity in Nigeria’s oil sector, accusing some military personnel of providing protection for illegal oil bunkering operations.

Soyombo, who was recently released from detention by the Nigerian Army, made these revelations during an interview on AriseTV on Saturday morning.

Speaking about his ordeal, Soyombo disclosed that his arrest occurred during an undercover investigation into the activities of oil thieves in Port Harcourt.

He lamented the level of collaboration between saboteurs in the military and oil bunkerers, stating, “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkers out of Port Harcourt.”

The journalist also criticized the Army spokesperson for endangering his safety by publicly linking him to an illegal oil bunkering investigation, a move he described as reckless.

According to Soyombo, this revelation not only jeopardized his security but also highlighted the extent of sabotage within Nigeria’s security apparatus.

Soyombo further explained that the scale of crude oil theft in the country is far greater than publicly acknowledged.

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He revealed, “The figures being put out in terms of crude oil theft are an underestimation of what’s happening. The crude we were to move was for 50,000 barrels. If the man who got annoyed that he wasn’t bribed didn’t talk, we would have had two trucks move out.”

The investigative journalist did not hold back in calling for a complete overhaul of the system. He pointed out that the problem is not limited to oil thieves but includes those charged with supervising the sector. “It is not only oil bunkerers that are thieves but those who are also meant to supervise the sector,” Soyombo noted.

Soyombo, who was held incommunicado for three days before his release, credited the media and social media advocacy for his freedom.

He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their solidarity, stating, “Without your pressure, I’d still be in that cell by now, away from civilization and held incommunicado.”

The journalist’s arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from local and international organizations, with many calling for greater protection for investigative journalists in Nigeria.