Why I Refused to Involve the Military in My Oil Bunkering Investigation – Soyombo
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Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has revealed that he deliberately excluded the Nigerian military from his recent investigation into crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, citing concerns that some military operatives were complicit in the illegal activities.
Soyombo made the revelation during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday, following his release after being detained by the Nigerian Army.
Soyombo explained that his decision not to involve the military stemmed from his belief that some military personnel were bribed by illegal bunkerers to facilitate their operations.
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“The most important point is that illegal oil bunkerers bribe security operatives across different agencies to allow the bunkering to happen. Those who should be stopping it are, in fact, collaborators,” he said.
He further detailed how the military’s involvement compromised his investigation.
Soyombo claimed that while in detention, military personnel were aware of every aspect of his cover, revealing information about him that only those close to the bunkerers could have known.
“They were telling me everything about me, they knew who I was,” Soyombo said, adding that his cover had been compromised due to the leak.
Despite his accusations, Soyombo acknowledged that not all military personnel are involved in the illegal bunkering trade, expressing awareness of those in the military genuinely interested in curbing the crime.
