Niger delta militant news

Here are some recent news updates on the Niger Delta militant situation:

Latest Developments:

  1. Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) Ceasefire: In October 2020, the NDA, a militant group that has been responsible for several attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta, announced a ceasefire. The group's leader, Mudoch Agbinibo, said the ceasefire was due to the efforts of the Nigerian government to address the region's grievances.
  2. Rebel Group Demands: In November 2020, the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), another militant group, issued a list of demands to the Nigerian government, including the release of detained militants, the creation of a Niger Delta state, and the allocation of 13% of the country's oil revenue to the region.
  3. Military Operations: In December 2020, the Nigerian military launched a operation in the Niger Delta region, code-named "Operation Delta Safe", aimed at curbing militant activities and protecting oil facilities.

Recent Attacks:

  1. Attack on Shell Facility: In November 2020, militants attacked a Shell oil facility in the Niger Delta, causing significant damage and disrupting oil production.
  2. Attack on ExxonMobil Facility: In October 2020, militants attacked an ExxonMobil oil facility in the Niger Delta, causing a fire and disrupting oil production.

Government Response:

  1. Dialogue with Militants: The Nigerian government has been engaging in dialogue with militant groups in the Niger Delta, including the NDA and NDPVF, to address their grievances and persuade them to lay down their arms.
  2. Infrastructure Development: The government has also been investing in infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region, including the construction of roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities, to improve the lives of residents and reduce the appeal of militancy.

International Concerns:

  1. UN Concerns: The United Nations has expressed concerns over the situation in the Niger Delta, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urging the Nigerian government to address the region's grievances.
  2. International Pressure: The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has been putting pressure on the Nigerian government to address the Niger Delta crisis and ensure the protection of oil facilities and personnel.

Background:

The Niger Delta region has been plagued by militancy and violence for decades, primarily due to the environmental and economic impacts of oil exploration and production. The region's residents have long been demanding a greater share of the oil revenue and better living conditions, leading to tensions with the Nigerian government and oil companies.