Militant group’s warning of further attacks to heighten
insecurity in Niger delta
The militant Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta
(MEND) on 8 August stated that it would launch fresh attacks on
oil interests across the western and eastern Niger delta region
in August. The statement follows two separate kidnaps involving
four expatriate oil workers on 4-5 August. Control Risks
considers the threat to be credible, particularly ahead of the
crucial general elections scheduled for 2007, and continues to
advise against non-essential travel to the Niger delta, where
security and travel risks are rated at HIGH. The security
environment in the region will remain volatile and further
militant attacks, including kidnaps, are possible. An escalation
in attacks across the region is expected ahead of the elections.
Companies are advised to implement maximum security measures,
including reviewing and updating evacuation procedures in
Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states.
Aug92006