In Nigeria, a major security alert among security formations in the Nine States of the Niger Delta region was triggered following the claim of responsibility by the new renegade Militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, for several attacks on major oil and gas trunk lines and facilities in Bayelsa and Delta states, Leadership reported.
The Militant group warned international companies that “the Nigerian military can’t protect your facilities.” In an statement it added: “This is what we promised the Nigeria government. Since they have refused to listen to us, we are going to bring the country’s economy to zero.”
The militants want a greater share of oil profits for communities whose fishing and agricultural grounds have been ravaged by oil pollution. They also object to the government winding down a 2009 amnesty program paying 30,000 former militants. The amnesty ended attacks that cut Nigerian oil production by 40%, according to AP.
“This is a clear warning to the all Niger Delta Politicians, Traditional rulers, Community leaders, and the likes of Tompolo to mind their business and leave the liberation of the Niger delta people to the Avengers. Those who believes taking sides with federal government to fight Niger Deltans is the best option. Avengers are here on ground, neither you nor the federal government can stop us. If you don’t stay clear and let us to carry out our activities we will bring the fight to your individual doorsteps. Our major goal is to cripple the Nigeria economy,” the group said in the statement.
The lines claimed to have been attacked by the Niger Delta Avengers include the crude line feeds to the Warri and Kaduna refineries, and the gas line feeds the Lagos and Abuja electricity power supply.
In addition, the group hit the gas Well D25 in Abiteye, belonging to Chevron Nigeria, and also Alero, Dibi, Otunana and Makaraba flow stations that feed the Chevron tank farm out of operation. The US-based multinational said it was forced to shut production there but its exports will continue.
