New Security Panel Set Up in Nigeria

Nigeria on Tuesday set up a new security panel, the latest in a series of units tasked with stemming kidnappings and oil theft in the restive Niger Delta, the country's military chief said.

The 12-strong panel -- comprising officials from the army, air force, navy, police, state intelligence and transport ministries -- and led by a senior navy official, has been given three months to oversee a clean-up of the area.

Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike said the militant attacks undermined national security.

"Recent developments in our waterways like illegal oil bunkering (theft), kidnappings, hostage taking have become serious cause of concern for government," Dike said, launching the panel.

"These activities pose serious threat to national security. These acts of illegality which include economic sabotage and armed smuggling, if not completely addressed, could undermine our national security interest," Dike said.

A force comprising police and the military was deployed five years ago in the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities and their workers from armed militants who claim to be fighting for a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth for the local people.

President Umaru Yar'Adua recently created a Niger Delta ministry, although no minister has yet been appointed.

It it not clear how the various entities meant to police the Delta will interact.

Hundreds of both local and foreign oil workers have been kidnapped in the area while a string of violent attacks have targetted oil installations.

The unrest in the Delta has reduced Nigeria's oil output by more than one quarter. Production currently stands at between 1.8 and two million barrels a day against 2.6 million barrels two years ago.

Author: Jo Amey