'Oil War' declared in Niger Delta

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta's (MEND) declaration follows two days of gun battles with security forces. The heavy fighting began on Saturday in Tombia, in Rivers state, where the militants said at least seven people were killed. Security sources said Nigeria's army, navy and air force were involved in the clashes, which have spread since the weekend but remain confined to Rivers state. MEND are responsible for attacks that have cut a fifth of the country's oil output.

In a statement made in reference to Saturday’s events, the group said, "MEND has declared an oil war in response to the unprovoked aerial and marine attacks on a MEND position in Rivers state”

The deteriorating security situation in the delta, home to Nigeria's oil sector, is considered to be the biggest hindrance to economic growth in Africa's most populous country, which is also the world's eighth biggest oil exporter.

Security in the Niger Delta worsened dramatically in early 2006 when militants, who say they are fighting for more local control of the impoverished region's oil wealth, started blowing up oil pipelines and kidnapping foreign workers.

"The operation will continue until the government of Nigeria appreciates that the solution to peace in the Niger Delta is justice, respect and dialogue," MEND said.

Mend said it had attacked flow stations, a gas plant and oil pipelines, including a Chevron-operated platform in Kula. It said 22 Nigerian soldiers had been killed, but an army spokesman denied any military casualties. A Chevron official confirmed one of its oil platforms was attacked, but production had already been shut down due to pipeline problems stemming from a previous attack in late July.

Militants said they also attacked a Shell-operated gas plant in Soku and pipelines in Nembe Creek. A Shell spokeswoman said the company was investigating the reports.

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, spokesman for the military task force in Rivers state, said no oil facilities were affected by two days of heavy fighting.

Author: Jo Amey