Troops have arrested a militant in the country’s main oil-producing region whose gang was accused of kidnapping and pipeline sabotage, authorities said Wednesday.
Authorities say Keiti Sese, also known as Commander Noumekeme, is among several militants who have sought to form new gangs in the Niger Delta region despite an amnesty programme in 2009.
His gang in Bayelsa state has been suspected of sabotaging Chevron pipelines, as well as involvement in kidnappings and the illegal oil trade.
“We encourage other criminal elements who are still hiding in the creeks or wherever they may be to emulate Keiti Sese and turn themselves in to avoid unpleasant consequences,” Commodore Olasunkanmi Shekoni of a military task force in the region said.
Authorities presented Sese to journalists Wednesday and he said he surrendered because he wanted to become part of the amnesty programme, though it was unclear whether he would be allowed since deadlines to do so have long passed.
The amnesty saw thousands of ex-militants give up arms in favour of stipends and job training, but many observers warned that underlying factors such as poverty and unemployment would see others take their place.
The Niger Delta saw a resurgence of militancy, including kidnappings of foreign oil workers, late last year, leading to military raids in the region.
Troops raided what was believed to be a camp belonging to Sese in November.