Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has accused the Nigerian Army of leaking sensitive information to illegal oil bunkering networks following his undercover investigation into the illicit trade.
Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV after his release from a three-day detention by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The journalist revealed that his arrest occurred while investigating the security networks protecting illegal bunkers, a complex operation involving multiple security formations.
He accused the Army of compromising his safety by prematurely linking him to the investigation, which alerted the oil bunkers.
Soyombo disclosed that the oil bunkers repeated details of the sensitive information he had shared with the Army.
“Everything I told the Army was confirmed by the bunkers,” he said. “They even echoed my statements word-for-word before I was released. How could they have known if the Army hadn’t leaked it?”

Soyombo explained that he voluntarily approached the soldiers during the raid, knowing he had nothing to hide, while others fled into the bush.
“I wasn’t arrested in the traditional sense. I stayed behind because I knew I wasn’t guilty of anything,” he said.

During his detention, he was well-treated but remained concerned about the Army’s intentions.
“They told me they could hold me for two months if necessary, but the media attention forced my release,” Soyombo revealed.
Soyombo criticized the Nigerian Army for failing to protect whistleblowers and journalists. He emphasized that illegal oil bunkering thrives due to the complicity of security agencies.
“This incident proves how deeply compromised the system is. Illegal bunkering won’t stop because of collaborators within security agencies,” he asserted.

Despite the ordeal, Soyombo said he remains committed to investigative journalism but hinted at stepping back after a few more undercover investigations.
“I may have one, two, or three more undercover stories left before I stop. I would rather stop than compromise my integrity,” he concluded.
Soyombo urged the Nigerian Army to explain why the information he provided was leaked, endangering his life and the integrity of the investigation. He called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security structures to effectively combat illegal oil bunkering and protect investigative journalists.

By Ahmed Rufa’i Dutse

Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) has urged the media to enhance public awareness of the Police Act 2020, particularly its human rights provisions on arrest and searches.
This appeal was made during a workshop for 70 journalists from the Northwest region on the Act’s impact on police-citizen relations and media reporting in Nigeria.

Supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), the event was held at R&K Guest Palace, Nasarawa, Kano State.

PWAN Program Manager, Hajiya Aisha Yusuf, explained that the initiative aims to deepen understanding of the Police Act across several states, fostering informed community engagement.
“This project ensures the public and media understand their rights and the expected conduct of police officers, promoting trust and accountability,” she said.

The workshop gathered media professionals from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara.
Discussions highlighted media responsibilities in ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement, with a focus on the Act’s provisions on arrest, profiling, and stop-and-search procedures.

Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Community Policing, Hajiya Maryam Umar, stressed the importance of harmonious police-community relations for peace and security.
Presenting his paper on the Police Act 2020 and Regulations one of the resource persons, Barrier Sani Ammani highlighted some of the objectives of 2020 police Act, to include responsiveness, equity, justice and fairness.

He emphasised the need to respect the dignity of persons, safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerians, as well as cooperation and partnership between the police and communities as contained in the Act.

According to him, one of the police duties is to conduct investigation, make arrest with or without arrest warrant as well as to write statement among others.

He stressed that, it is the responsibility of the Nigerian police to protect lives and property of every person residing in Nigeria.

On her part, Hajiya Maryam Rabi’u, who spoke on the role of the media in promoting awareness of the Nigeria Police Act, indicated that the media can conduct investigative reporting and public awareness to inform citizens about their rights.

She emphasized the need for journalist to facilitate dialogue, monitor implementation of the Act and report success stories of police officers who abide by the new Act and other related issues.
The workshop is a significant step in aligning media reporting with the Police Act 2020 to promote human rights and accountability in Nigeria’s Northwestern region

Comrade Alhassan Yahaya has emerged as the new National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Yahaya secured 436 votes in a keenly contested election, defeating Comrade Bamidele Atunbi, the former National Treasurer, who received 97 votes, and Comrade Garba Mohammed, who garnered 39 votes.

The election was held at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the NUJ, which took place in Owerri, Imo State, and saw the participation of around 600 delegates from various State Councils across the country.

Before his election as National President, Yahaya was serving as the Deputy National President of the union. He hails from Gombe State.

In a historic moment for the union, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde was elected unopposed as the Deputy National President, becoming the first female to hold the position. Oyetunde, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Edo State, is also a former member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the NUJ.

Other officers who were elected unopposed include Comrade Victor Ndukwe, the new National Treasurer and former Chairman of the Abia State Council, and Comrade Ronke Samo, who was re-elected as the Vice President of the B-Zone (Southwest).

The election process was conducted with tight security, and Comrade Mike Ikeogwu chaired the Electoral Committee. The event was presided over by Joe Ajaero, a representative of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).