The Nigerian Army has publicly explained the circumstances behind the detention of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who has been held for three days in Port Harcourt.

The Army confirmed that Soyombo’s arrest took place during a military operation focused on combating illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, clarified that Soyombo’s arrest was linked to a larger operation aimed at dismantling a gang involved in pipeline sabotage and illegal oil connections in the Niger Delta region.

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“The Division has intensified its anti-illegal oil bunkering operations, achieving significant operational successes,” Danjuma said. “Recently, intelligence revealed the presence of a notorious gang of oil thieves. In a targeted operation, troops traced the criminals to an illegal oil bunkering site, where arrests were made, including that of Fisayo Soyombo, who was also detained at the scene.”

Soyombo’s detention came to light after the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) raised the alarm. The organization took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concern for Soyombo, calling attention to the situation: “The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has been detaining our founder, Fisayo Soyombo, for three days running. Journalism is not a crime.”

The Army confirmed that Soyombo is among several individuals currently undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their involvement in the illegal activities. Danjuma emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and clarified that the journalist’s arrest was tied to the activities of oil thieves in the region.

“The suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigations to assess their involvement. Therefore, Soyombo’s arrest is linked to the activities of these oil thieves in the region,” Danjuma stated. “It is important for media outlets to ensure the accuracy of the information they publish.”

The Army reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft, which it says is a major threat to Nigeria’s oil and gas production. However, Soyombo’s supporters and press freedom advocates continue to question the circumstances surrounding his arrest, calling for transparency and further clarification.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed the reappointment of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its Director-General for a second term, effective September 1, 2025.

This announcement was made on Friday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The WTO’s General Council approved the reappointment by consensus, citing Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the organization’s future.

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The decision follows a transparent selection process initiated on October 8, 2024, overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council.

“With no additional nominations submitted by the November 8 deadline, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate,” the WTO stated.

“The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s ‘Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General’ (WT/L/509).”

Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment was formally endorsed after a special General Council meeting on November 28-29, 2024, where she presented her forward-looking vision for the WTO.

Following a Q&A session with members, the Council reaffirmed their confidence in her leadership.

“The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term,” the statement continued.

“Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

Recall that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala first assumed the role of Director-General on March 1, 2021, making history as both the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills currently under review in Nigeria’s National Assembly, arguing that their passage could severely hinder the development of the northern region and exacerbate economic difficulties nationwide.

The tax reform bills, which were presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have sparked significant backlash, particularly from northern leaders.

Northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have all expressed concern, claiming the reforms do not serve the nation’s interests.

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In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum criticized the rapid progression of the bills, pointing out that they have received expedited attention in contrast to other pieces of legislation that have taken years to pass.

“We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward,” Zulum stated.

He also highlighted that the negative impact would not be confined to the north but would extend to other regions, including parts of the South West and South East.

The governor also questioned the urgency behind the bills, recalling the protracted timeline for the passage of other significant legislation.

“There’s a petroleum bill that was presented, but it took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and is already receiving legislative attention within a week,” Zulum noted.

He called for a more cautious approach to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.

Zulum warned that the bills could lead to severe fiscal challenges, particularly for northern states, with the potential to hinder their ability to pay civil servants.

“If these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year,” he said.

When asked whether the tax reforms would worsen poverty, hunger, and insecurity in the north, the governor answered in the affirmative, stating that the proposals would have detrimental effects on the entire country.

“Yes, including security,” Zulum added. He also pointed out that opposition to the bills is not only coming from the north but also from southern regions such as Lagos, which has voiced similar concerns.

Despite his strong objections, Zulum clarified that his position was not a political attack on President Tinubu, whom he supported in the recent elections.

“This is not against the government. We supported and voted for him. But these bills will not mean good for us,” he said.

The governor also addressed rumors that lawmakers could be influenced by lobbying or kickbacks to support the bills, though he refrained from making direct allegations.

“There are rumors around, but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria!” Zulum said. He urged fellow Nigerians to act with patriotism, emphasizing the importance of considering the welfare of future generations.

In addition, Governor Zulum appealed directly to President Tinubu to reconsider the tax reform bills, urging him to listen to the concerns raised by northern leaders and ensure that any legislation passed benefits the nation as a whole.

“We are appealing to the President to listen to us and address our concerns,” he added