Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo’s recent encounter with the Nigerian Army has brought significant attention to the issues surrounding illegal crude oil bunkering in Nigeria. In a candid revelation during an interview with Arise TV, Soyombo detailed the complexities of his undercover investigation, which focused on the intricate security networks protecting these illicit operations. His findings emphasize the need for a fundamental reformation in the country’s security structures if the rampant issue of oil bunkering is to be addressed effectively. Soyombo’s experience serves as a lens through which the systemic corruption and collusion within security forces can be examined, highlighting a troubling relationship between illegal operations and those tasked with enforcing the law.
Soyombo described his arrest, which occurred the day after he engaged in his undercover work, explaining that his detention by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army lasted three days. His release came only after significant media coverage of his situation alerted the public to the inconsistencies surrounding his arrest. He clarified that the Army’s displeasure stemmed from not being informed about his investigation, emphasizing the importance of proper communication when dealing with sensitive inquiries into illegal activities. This raised questions about the expectations and procedures regarding how investigative journalists and security agencies should operate, particularly in a context where bribery is prevalent within the security infrastructure.
While recounting the arrest, Soyombo noted the crucial moment when he was spotted by soldiers during his investigation. He believes that someone within the military establishment felt slighted due to not receiving a bribe, which led to a breakdown in trust and subsequent alerts being given to fellow members of the illegal bunkering network. Rather than escaping like others, Soyombo approached the soldiers voluntarily, well aware that he had no illicit intentions. This proactive approach ultimately led to a complicated three-day experience of being interrogated, during which he felt that his integrity was vindicated, as the details he shared with the Army were echoed back to him by the illegal bunkers.
In light of this experience, Soyombo pointedly criticized the security system in Nigeria for its inadequacies, asserting that illegal bunkering is unlikely to cease in the country due to entrenched collusion between criminal elements and various security entities. He challenged the Nigerian Army to provide clarity on why sensitive information he disclosed was leaked back to the very networks he was investigating before his release. His concerns underscore a critical failure in operational security within the military, indicating a potential breach that endangers not only investigative journalists but also the efficacy of efforts to combat such pervasive crimes.
Soyombo also raised alarms about his personal safety post-arrest, stressing that, ironically, the Army, which should ideally support him in fighting illegal oil activities, inadvertently compromised his security by publicizing his connection to his investigation. The premature revelation of his status as an investigator was particularly alarming, given the nature of the dangerous operations he was exploring. His survival during this period can be attributed to meticulous precautions he implemented before starting the investigation, which ultimately shielded him from prolonged detention and severe repercussions.
Despite the distressing nature of his arrest, Soyombo revealed lighter moments from his time in military custody, suggesting that the authorities acknowledged his position as an investigative journalist rather than a criminal. This contrasted sharply with the gravity of the situation, indicating a twisted acknowledgment of his work while still reinforcing the systemic problems present within Nigeria’s security frameworks. Reflecting on his future in undercover journalism, Soyombo expressed a sense of urgency, hinting at a possible step back from this path due to the risks involved. His determination to continue pursuing important stories, however, remains, although he acknowledged that he may have only a few more opportunities to do so before reassessing his approach.
Overall, Fisayo Soyombo’s experience encapsulates the dangerous intersection of investigative journalism and security operations in Nigeria. It raises critical questions about the practices within the military and its relationship with illicit industries, alongside illustrating the often perilous role that journalists play in uncovering corruption and wrongdoing. The systemic issues underscored by Soyombo’s ordeal highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms aimed at dismantling the networks of collusion that facilitate illegal activities like oil bunkering. His story serves as a call to action for both the media and security forces to address these challenges collaboratively to foster a safer and more transparent environment for investigative endeavors in the future.
