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

Media Professionals Convene in Abuja to Promote Journalism Trust Initiative Standards

Media professionals gathered in Abuja on Friday for a one-day awareness workshop focused on promoting professional standards in journalism and fostering a healthier digital media environment.
The workshop, centered on the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) Standard, CWA 17493, was organized by the Journalism Trust Initiative and Reporters Without Borders in collaboration with the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NENAS).

The event brought together journalists, media executives, and regulators to discuss adopting the JTI standard, a globally recognized framework designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in media organizations.
Participants explored how the standard could combat misinformation and rebuild public trust in the media.
Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of adopting international standards to address challenges posed by misinformation and the growing distrust in journalism.
The Regional Manager, Africa Journalism Trust Initiative, Marc Aboflan
noted that threats to journalism are no longer confined to physical attacks but extend to digital platforms, which undermine journalism as a profession.

“There are standards in industries like health and beauty, but until now, the media industry lacked such a formal benchmark,” the representative said. “The Journalism Trust Initiative standard fills this gap by providing a framework that promotes credible journalism through accountability and quality assurance.”
The Chief Executive Officer of NENAS, Mr celestine okanya
NENAS underscored the role of accreditation in upholding professional integrity.
He highlighted how aligning media practices with international standards can enhance transparency and accountability while boosting public confidence in news organizations.

“The JTI standard is an opportunity for media houses to align with global best practices while addressing local challenges in Nigeria,” the representative said.
Interactive sessions allowed participants to discuss how the JTI standard could be tailored to Nigeria’s unique media landscape.
Local media professionals shared experiences from their editorial processes, demonstrating how applying the standard could improve transparency, counter disinformation, and serve the overriding public interest.

“We must serve society by presenting news that is fair, transparent, and accountable,” a participant noted.
“Our role as journalists is to analyze policies and ensure the public good is upheld, while respecting diverse opinions.”
The collaboration between the Journalism Trust Initiative, Reporters Without Borders, and NENAS showed a shared commitment to strengthening journalism as a pillar of democracy.
Attendees left the workshop with a renewed resolve to implement the JTI standard within their organizations, recognizing its potential to enhancing professionalism and rebuild trust in journalism.

The workshop reaffirmed the Journalism Trust Initiative’s mission to reshaping the media landscape for the better, promoting responsible reporting and supporting a more trustworthy news ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond.