FIJ Founder Fisayo Soyombo Exposes Alleged Military Complicity in Oil Bunkering

Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has made startling revelations about oil bunkering in Nigeria following his recent release from military custody. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Saturday morning, Soyombo disclosed details of his undercover investigation, which led to his arrest by the Nigerian Army.  

He alleged that illegal oil bunkering operations are thriving with high-level security cover. “It would shock you the kind of people who escort illegal oil bunkerers out of Port Harcourt,” Soyombo said. He criticized the military spokesman for compromising his safety by publicly announcing the arrest of suspected oil bunkerers during his investigation.  

While acknowledging the integrity of some military personnel, Soyombo stressed the need to root out saboteurs enabling illegal activities. “There are clean men in the military, but we need to clean up the saboteurs who allow oil bunkering to thrive,” he noted.  

Soyombo also revealed the massive scale of crude oil theft, suggesting official estimates may vastly understate the problem. “The crude we were supposed to move was for 50,000 barrels. If not for a man who got annoyed over not being bribed, two trucks would have been moved out undetected,” he explained, adding that no institution in the sector has a clear account of the barrels lifted daily.  

He called for a systemic overhaul, pointing fingers not only at the bunkerers but also at those tasked with supervising the oil sector. Despite the risks, Soyombo expressed his commitment to investigative journalism, though he hinted at retiring from undercover work after a few more investigations.  

“It’s not about the fun of it but the need to expose wrongdoings. People deserve to feel safe in their country, and these issues must be brought to light,” he concluded.