On patrol: Mend rebels cruise the Delta creeks
Mend threatens Delta blockade
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said today it would blockade key waterways in the Niger Delta to try to prevent crude oil exports after days of military helicopter and gunboat raids on its camps.
The security forces launched an offensive against militant camps around Warri in the western Niger Delta on Friday after two oil vessels were hijacked and its soldiers were attacked, leading to the heaviest fighting in at least eight months.
"We have ordered the blockade of key waterway channels to oil industry vessels both for the export of crude and gas and importation of refined petroleum products," Reuters quoted Mend as saying in a statement.
"This means vessels now ply such routes at their risk," the group added.
The army says it has rescued 17 hostages - nine Filipinos, four Ukrainians and four Nigerians - and destroyed a major camp belonging to militant leader Government Tompolo since launching its offensive three days ago.
The Niger Delta, home to Africa's biggest oil and gas industry, is one of the world's largest wetlands. Militant camps and small villages are both nestled deep in its mangrove creeks.
Local rights groups claimed the military's use of helicopter gunships has triggered a "mass evacuation" of villagers and have urged restraint by the security forces. They have asked both sides to allow humanitarian access to those displaced.
The security situation in the Niger Delta has seen the Opec member's output drop to less than two-thirds capacity. At present Nigeria produces around 1.8 million barrels per day.