25.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Police arrest more than 200 suspected militants ("Mass arrest of militants") [ID 24913]

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Oil militants, who recently declared a ceasefire, accuse the army of attacking their allies' camps ("Air raid 'hits Nigeria militants'") [ID 24911]

Document(s): Open document

22.09.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

Militant group 'The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)' began a unilateral ceasefire after a week of clashes with the military and attacks on oil installations ("Nigerian militants declare ceasefire in delta"), Author: Reuters Foundation [ID 24910]

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Main militant group declares a ceasefire, following a week of attacks on oil installations ("Nigerian militants halt 'oil war'") [ID 24769]

Document(s): Open document

20.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Main militant group says it has blown up a major Shell pipeline; sixth attack in a week ("Pipe hit claim in Delta 'oil war'") [ID 24768]

Document(s): Open document

19.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Militants say they have blown up another oil pipeline, while freeing two South Africans ("Nigeria rebels 'blow up pipeline'") [ID 24767]

Document(s): Open document

19.09.2008 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Niger Delta: Dozens of civilian casualties and many more wounded or displaced, according to local observers, in clashes between the military and rebel fighters ("Bloody week in the Niger Delta") [ID 24909]

Document(s): Open document

18.09.2008 - Source: International Crisis Group

Niger Delta: Report on peace process in Ogoni land (overview, conflict and Shell) ("Nigeria: Ogoni Land after Shell") [ID 24912]

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Militants say they have blown up a major oil installation ("Oil station 'blown up' in Nigeria") [ID 24764]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Militants declare war on the government after battling troops at oil facilities ("Nigeria militants warn of oil war") [ID 24765]

Document(s): Open document

01.09.2008 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Military denies claims by militants to have killed 29 soldiers in clashes ("Nigeria denies militant attacks") [ID 24760]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

In search for militants and weaponry soldiers attacked a village in Niger Delta ("Nigeria troops raid Delta village") [ID 24486]

Document(s): Open document

30.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

One Soldier and two militants were killed in a clash of two militant groups in the Niger Delta ("Gangs clash in Nigeria oil region") [ID 24482]

Document(s): Open document

28.07.2008 - Source: Guardian

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) attacked two Shell pipelines ("Nigerian rebels attack two Shell pipelines") [ID 24481]

Document(s): Open document

26.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

8 foreign oil workers were freed, who have been kidnapped several hours earlier ("Oil workers kidnapped") [ID 24066]

Document(s): Open document

10.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) threatens to end ceasefire after UK announced to help Nigeria with lawlessness ("Nigerian group 'to end ceasefire'") [ID 24044]

Document(s): Open document

22.06.2008 - Source: BBC News

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) has called out unilateral ceasefire in June 2008 ("Nigerian militants call ceasefire") [ID 23680]

Document(s): Open document

21.06.2008 - Source: BBC News

Attack on oil pipeline in June 2008 lead to production stop of Chevron ("Nigerian oil pipeline 'attacked'") [ID 23679]

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2008 - Source: BBC News

Several people injured during a raid on an oil platform 120km off the shore ("Nigerian attack closes oilfield") [ID 23678]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Human rights violations were reported from both sides, police and militant groups, in the Niger Delta ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 24126]

"The security forces continued to commit frequent human rights violations in the Niger Delta. Violations included extrajudicial executions, torture and destruction of homes. Militants kidnapped dozens of oil workers and their relatives, including children, and attacked many oil installations."

Document(s): Open document

04.05.2008 - Source: BBC News

Militants blow up Shell-owned oil flow station in Niger Delta; fifth such attack in recent weeks ("Attack on Shell plant in Nigeria") [ID 23234]

Document(s): Open document

26.04.2008 - Source: BBC News

Oil producing companies cut down output because of attacks from militant groups like The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta ("Oil firms in Nigeria cut output") [ID 23067]

Document(s): Open document

24.03.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claims to be behind an explosion at a naval base which killed at least two sailors; military officials deny the claim ("Nigeria oil rebels claim attack on navy base"), Author: Reuters Foundation [ID 22904]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

The Niger Delta region was home of Africa's largest oil industry, but since 2006 militant groups use violance and abductions to demand more control of the region's recources ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23161]

"The Niger Delta region of the country was home to Africa's largest oil industry, which exported an estimated 2.4 million barrels of crude per day. Particularly since 2006, militant groups increasingly employed violence, including kidnapping of oil company workers, to demand greater control of the region's resources. Abductions for ransom, armed robberies, gang turf wars, and fighting connected to the theft of crude oil, known as oil bunkering, continued during the year and contributed to a sharp decline in the region's general security and economic vitality."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Over 200 persons were kidnapped in approximately 60 incidents in 2007 in connection with the oil production ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23163]

"Numerous hostage situations occurred during the first eight months of year. In some areas tensions remained high between oil producing communities and oil company employees and contractors. Over 200 persons (Nigerian nationals and expatriates) were kidnapped in approximately 60 incidents during the year. Many kidnappings were perpetrated by militant groups trying to force the government to develop local economies, increase local control of oil revenues, or release prisoners; others were conducted primarily for financial gain. Oil facility guards and JTF soldiers were among those killed in these incidents. During the year Port Harcourt criminals began to kidnap the relatives (usually children or mothers) of prominent state politicians for ransom or to force payment for services, such as protection detail and voter intimidation, that were rendered during the elections."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government deployed the Joint Tast Force (JTF) to the Niger Delta region to re-establish security after incidents of kidnapping had increased ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23164]

"Government authorities responded to a number of these incidents by deploying the JTF to the region. The JTF [Joint Task Force] --a unit composed of the various military branches that was established by the government in 2003 to restore stability in the Niger Delta region--reportedly used excessive force and engaged militants and criminals in gun battles, which occasionally resulted in civilian casualties and worsened security."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Doctors Without Borders reported high levels of violence with seven persons dead in Port Harcourt in the first two weeks of August 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23165]

"According to a report from Doctors Without Borders, violence in Port Harcourt reached unusually high levels during the first two weeks of August, resulting in 71 gunshot wounds, 27 stabbings, 16 serious beatings, and one rape; seven persons died from their injuries. On August 6, doctors reported an influx of patients arriving from all across the city. Most of the injured were innocent bystanders who were either at a market or near a bus station when armed gangs began shooting indiscriminately into crowds. The government deployed troops and helicopter gunships to the city. There were numerous reports that military fire reached civilian targets."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

10 persons were killed in gang clashes in March 2007 in Port Harcourt ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23166]

"On March 4, after several days of rival gang clashes in Port Harcourt, 10 persons were killed. While it was not often clear which gang was responsible, violence was often attributed to militant group leaders Soboma George and rival Ateke Tom."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

In Summer 2007, the Joint Task Force took action against criminals and militants, who were holding two dozen workers and soldiers hostage; at least 50 people were killed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23388]

"On June 21, JTF troops killed a dozen gunmen who were holding two dozen workers and soldiers hostage at a flow station run by Italian energy company Eni Spa. The gunmen had seized the oil installation four days earlier. On August 16, the JTF launched a raid on an alleged hideout of militants who had been fighting in the streets of Port Harcourt for days. The raid initiated a day-long gun battle between the JTF and rival militant groups, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 persons, including innocent civilian bystanders On September 14, the JTF launched an attack on a suspected criminal hideout near Ogbogoro, Rivers State, using helicopter gunships and ground troops; an undetermined number of killings resulted. According to a JTF spokesman, the target was a criminal gang suspected of killing three village chiefs and two others in Port Harcourt. Although the JTF contributed to the level of violence in some situations, observers reported that the force added to the region's overall level of security by filling a void left by the ineffective Nigerian Police Force."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Scores of civilians were murdered by armed gangs and security forces in 2007; more than 200 expatriate oil workers have been kidnapped ("World Report 2008") [ID 22261]

"Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta has become increasingly militarized and insecure. Scores of civilians were murdered by armed gangs and security forces in 2007, and the violence further impeded the impoverished region’s development. Numerous armed groups have risen to prominence in the Delta. Many of these groups claim to be fighting for greater local control of the region’s oil wealth, while simultaneously engaging in various forms of violent criminal activity including the kidnapping for ransom of more than 200 expatriate oil workers and a handful of locally prominent Nigerians."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Many regional political figures have been directly implicated in sponsoring and arming militia groups ("World Report 2008") [ID 22262]

"Much of the insecurity that plagues the Delta is directly related to failures of governance at all levels. Despite massive budget increases due to rising oil prices, federal, state, and local governments have made no effective effort to address the grinding poverty and environmental degradation that lies at the heart of political discontent in the region. Instead, many regional political figures have been directly implicated in sponsoring and arming militia groups that have carried out violent abuses."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Port Harcourt: Fighting between armed gangs linked to Rivers state politicians after the April elections resulted in dozens of civilian deaths ("World Report 2008") [ID 22263]

"After the April elections, fighting between armed gangs linked to prominent Rivers state politicians engulfed the state capital Port Harcourt, claiming dozens of civilian lives. A military intervention in August resulted in more civilian deaths. Politicians whose gangs rigged the elections in 2003 and 2007, laying the foundation for the crisis, have not been held to account."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Multinational oil companies have done little to prevent human rights abuses committed by security forces assigned to protect their operations ("World Report 2008") [ID 22271]

"Multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have been central, if often unwilling participants in the region’s conflicts and dysfunctional political dynamics. The companies have largely failed to meet their basic responsibilities toward the communities impacted by their operations. They have done little to prevent human rights abuses committed by security forces assigned to protect their operations, and have not done enough to curb environmentally harmful gas flares and oil spills caused by ageing and poorly-maintained infrastructure."

Document(s): Open document

02.01.2008 - Source: Guardian

Port Harcourt: 13 people killed as militants attack policestations and a hotel; Niger Delta Vigilante Movement claims responsibility for the assault ("Thirteen dead as militants attack Nigerian oil port") [ID 22631]

Document(s): Open document

01.01.2008 - Source: BBC News

Port Harcourt: At least 13 people killed in attack of gunmen on police stations and a hotel ("Fighting rocks Nigerian oil city") [ID 22630]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2007 - Source: International Crisis Group

Niger Delta: Report on security situation; attacks on oil installations and kidnappings on the rise; president Yar’Adua and federal legislature are prompted to address political, economic and environmental grievances as root causes of the conflict ("Ending Unrest in the Niger Delta") [ID 21902]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Report by Small Arms Survey on circulation of arms in Nigeria (causes of violence, measures for disarmament, security sector reforms, profiles of armed groups in the Niger Delta) ("Small arms, armed violence, and insecurity in Nigeria: The Niger Delta in perspective"), Author: Small Arms Survey [ID 21903]

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger-Delta: Militants of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) end voluntary ceasefire saying talks with the government have failed ("Nigerian militants call off truce") [ID 21500]

Document(s): Open document

27.08.2007 - Source: Tageszeitung

Port Harcourt: Dozens of people killed in fightings between gang militias; new president Umar Musa Yar'Adua ordered military intervention; about 36 people killed; hundreds of foreigners kidnapped in oil producing areas before ("Ölmetropole wird Chaosmetropole") [ID 21148]

Document(s): Open document

22.08.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Port Harcourt: Amnesty International voices great concern about number of people killed and injured in recent violent clashes; immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration of situation ("Violence in Port Harcourt escalates [AFR 44/020/2007]") [ID 22098]

Document(s): Open document

20.08.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Port Harcourt: Despite government troops patrolling the streets, many locals say militias are still located in and around the city and that current peace is temporary ("Lull in Port Harcourt fighting is likely to be temporary") [ID 21146]

Document(s): Open document

18.08.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Port Harcourt: Troops patrol capital of country's volatile oil region to forestall fresh violence after clashes which left dozens dead, officials say ("Troops patrol restive oil city to forestall fresh unrest"), Author: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 21147]

Document(s): Open document

17.08.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Port Harcourt: Army appeared in charge again a day after fights with armed groups had erupted across the city causing many residents to flee their homes ("Uneasy calm restored in Port Harcourt") [ID 21144]

Document(s): Open document

17.08.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Port Harcourt: According to residents and officials people are fleeing the city amid heavy fighting between government troops and armed gangs ("Residents flee heavy fighting in Niger Delta's main city") [ID 21145]

Document(s): Open document

16.08.2007 - Source: BBC News

Several people are feared dead after soldiers and militants clash in Nigeria's oil city of Port Harcourt ("Gun battles in Nigeria oil city") [ID 20854]

Document(s): Open document

11.08.2007 - Source: BBC News

4 people die in clashes between gangs in Nigeria's oil region, bringing the number of dead this week to 10 ("Gangs clash in Nigerian oil city") [ID 21142]

Document(s): Open document

20.07.2007 - Source: BBC News

Southern Nigeria: Lebanese businessman killed as violence continues in oil-rich Delta region ("Lebanese man shot dead in Nigeria") [ID 20963]

Document(s): Open document

04.07.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Unknown attackers kidnapped 5 foreign workers from an oil rig ("Oil workers snatched in Nigeria") [ID 20957]

Document(s): Open document

21.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Military sources say 12 militants, 2 civilians and a soldier were killed in a gun battle, as Nigeria's army drives militants from an oil platform ("Nigerian army moves on militants") [ID 20954]

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Army kills at least 8 militants in the oil-producing region, sources say ("Army 'kills' Nigerian militants") [ID 20950]

Document(s): Open document

02.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: The main militant group pledges to suspend attacks on oil installations for one month ("Nigeria militants offer ceasefire") [ID 20948]

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Niger Delta: Several militia groups frequently target oil workers; according to news reports violence increased ahead of the 2007 elections ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20574]

"Ethnic minorities in the Niger Delta feel particularly discriminated against, primarily with regard to distribution of the country’s oil wealth. Several militia groups, some based on ethnicity, operate in the Delta region and frequently target oil workers for kidnapping and extortion. Militants loyal to Niger Delta ethnic militia leader Moujahid Dokubo-Asari claim to be fighting for political autonomy and a bigger slice of oil revenues for the Ijaw ethnic group, the largest in the Delta region. Clashes between the Ijaws and their rivals, the Itsekiris, have claimed hundreds of lives in the Delta. News reports in 2006 cited an increase in violence in the Delta linked to the lead-up to 2007 elections."

Document(s): Open document

31.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Oil militants of the country say they are ready for dialogue with the new president, if certain conditions are met ("Nigeria militants set conditions") [ID 20947]

Document(s): Open document

25.05.2007 - Source: Guardian

Group of oil workers including foreigners kidnapped from pipeline-laying boat off Nigerian coast ("Gunmen seize oil workers") [ID 20942]

Document(s): Open document

24.05.2007 - Source: International Committee of the Red Cross

Escalating violence in the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, military operations failed ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 20845]

"Nigeria’s political and economic security was also threatened by escalating violence in the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, where oil installations were attacked and foreign workers kidnapped. Military operations in the area failed to bring the situation under control."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Niger Delta: In 2006 attacks on oil installations were on the rise ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20158]

"Human rights violations by the security forces were a frequent occurrence in the Niger Delta. Violations included extrajudicial executions, torture and destruction of homes. 2006 saw a rise in attacks on oil installations by militants in the Niger Delta. Dozens of oil workers were kidnapped. A newly emerged group - the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) - claimed responsibility for several kidnappings as well as attacks that resulted in the deaths of more than 10 members of the security forces. The attacks in the Niger Delta resulted in oil production dropping by approximately 25 per cent."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

15.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Ogoni youths take over an oil facility leading to oil production cuts, officials say ("Locals seize Nigeria oil facility") [ID 20937]

Document(s): Open document

10.05.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Niger Delta: Interview with Prince Wegwu about holding oil workers and taking up arms ("Prince Wegwu, Nigeria, "We hold [oil workers] until they give us something"") [ID 20936]

Document(s): Open document

09.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: Four foreign oil workers are kidnapped, only hours after 11 foreigners are freed ("Gunmen seize workers in Nigeria") [ID 20935]

Document(s): Open document

09.05.2007 - Source: Der Standard

According to security officers 4 US workers of oil company where kidnapped by armed men; bomb attacks on 3 pipelines in South of country ("Rebellen legen Ölförderung des Eni-Konzerns lahm") [ID 20938]

Document(s): Open document

09.05.2007 - Source: Tageszeitung

Attack on pipelines in oil development area by Mend rebels ("Anschläge verübt") [ID 20939]

Document(s): Open document

08.05.2007 - Source: BBC News

Southern Nigeria: A militant group says it has bombed three major oil pipelines ("'Pipelines hit' in Nigeria delta") [ID 20934]

Document(s): Open document

12.03.2007 - Source: UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Increasing violence in the Niger Delta because of desperate poverty and a marginalization of people in the region ("Special Rapporteur on Torture Concludes Visit to Nigeria [HR/07/35]") [ID 20795]

"The increasing violence in the Niger Delta, with its roots in the Federal Government's decades-long neglect and marginalization of people in the region, and the desperate poverty they face – despite the enormous oil revenues emanating from there – impacts upon the practice of torture and ill-treatment. The rise of serious violent crime and attacks by vigilante and criminal gangs against the local population and the oil companies operating there, and the resultant heavy response from security forces, as well police paid by oil companies, invite allegations of torture and ill-treatment."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

10 persons killed in attack by security forces on suspected militants on 20 August ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19450]

"On August 20, military security forces in the Niger Delta opened fire on a boat conveying suspected militants. Ten persons were killed during the attack, including a kidnapped Nigerian employee of Royal Dutch Shell who was being led out of captivity by alleged members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which vowed to avenge the killings."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In November a British national was killed in a crossfire between the military and kidnappers ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19475]

"In oil-producing areas, tensions remained high between members of resident ethnic groups and employees and contractors of oil companies. Local groups frequently kidnapped oil company employees, but most of these kidnappings did not result in death (see section 1.b.). However, on November 22, a British national was killed in crossfire between the military and kidnappers."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Port Harcourt: Oil worker killed by unknown persons in May ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19476]

"On May 10, a foreign oil-service contractor was shot and killed by unknown persons in Port Harcourt, Rivers State."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Local groups frequently kidnapped oil company employees ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19478]

"Numerous hostage situations occurred during the year. In oil producing areas, tensions remained high between members of resident ethnic groups and employees and contractors of oil companies. Local groups frequently kidnapped oil company employees during armed attacks on oil company facilities. Kidnappings generally were related to longstanding disputes between ethnic groups and the government over resources. Some kidnappings were conducted for financial gain; others, perpetrated by militant groups, sought to force the government to develop local economies, increase local control of oil revenues, or release prisoners. These kidnappings sometimes resulted in the deaths of oil facility guards and of military personnel. The government responded to the poor security situation by implementing Operation Restore Hope, a military operation whose forces often used excessive force during the year, resulting in an escalation of violence on both sides and an overall degradation in security in the southern region."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

4 oil workers kidnapped on 10 January and freed 20 days later ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19479]

"On January 10, militants kidnapped four oil workers from an offshore Shell Company platform. The workers were freed 20 days later. Bayelsa State government and the federal government were active in negotiating with the militants to secure the hostages' release."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In June 8 foreign oil workers were kidnapped and released 2 days later ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19480]

"On June 2, eight foreign oil workers were kidnapped from a rig operated by Dolphin Oil; they were released two days later."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In June 5 Shell staff were abducted after a gun battle between militants and the military in which 5 military personnel reportedly were killed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19481]

"On June 7, five South Koreans were abducted from a natural gas facility run by Shell after a gun battle between militants and the military in which five military personnel reportedly were killed. The abductors demanded the release of the jailed leader of their militant group, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, but released the hostages after an unconfirmed plea from the leader to reach their goals through peaceful means. Asari Dokubo was not released from prison as a condition of the hostage's freedom."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In August Movement of the Niger Delta People kidnapped German citizen ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19482]

"On or about August 3, a group calling itself the Movement of the Niger Delta People kidnapped a German citizen and demanded the release of Alhaji Asari Dokubo and Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha in exchange for the hostage. Dokubo, the leader of the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, remained in detention at year's end following his October 2005 arrest on charges of treason. At year's end Alamieyeseigha was in detention while awaiting trial on money laundering charges. Dokubo released a statement saying he had no hand in the kidnapping and that the hostage should be released unconditionally. The hostage was released without incident."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

In August 16 persons were abducted in 6 seperate incidents; all were released ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19483]

"Between August 1 and 17, 16 persons representing 10 nationalities were abducted in six separate incidents; all were released."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Series of kidnappings of oil workers from October through year's end ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19485]

"From October through year's end, there was a series of kidnappings of expatriate and local oil workers. Most were released by year's end. However, on November 22, of the seven expatriates taken hostage from an Agip vessel, one Briton was killed during an exchange of gunfire between the hostage-takers and a military patrol boat that succeeded in freeing the other six hostages."

Document(s): Open document

06.02.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Almost as many people were taken hostage in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta region in the month of January as in the whole of 2006, with some analysts accusing candidates in the upcoming elections of using ransom money to support their campaigns ("Sharp rise in hostage taking may be linked to upcoming elections") [ID 18655]

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Militiamen storm oil city to free leader ("Militiamen storm Nigerian oil city to free leader"), Author: Reuters [ID 18661]

Document(s): Open document

25.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

At least two Chinese workers are kidnapped from the offices of a Chinese oil firm in Nigeria ("Chinese workers seized in Nigeria") [ID 18662]

Document(s): Open document

16.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

Gunmen in Nigeria's oil region attack and kill 12 people including four local chiefs, police say ("Oil gunmen kill Nigerian chiefs") [ID 18671]

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

Niger Delta: According to officials, 9 foreign oil workers taken hostage by gunmen ("S Koreans seized in Niger Delta") [ID 18674]

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Regional politicians implicated in sponsoring violence without facing prosecution ("World Report 2007") [ID 18979]

"The Niger Delta region is awash with arms, many of which are in the hands of criminal gangs and militant groups that claim to be fighting for greater local control of the region’s oil wealth. Government security operations aimed at flushing out the militants resulted in numerous arbitrary arrests and other abuses. Much of the insecurity that plagues the Delta is directly related to disastrous failures of governance at all levels. Despite massive budget increases due to rising oil prices, government at the federal, state, and local level has made little effort to combat the poverty and environmental degradation that lie at the heart of political discontent in the region. Far from seeking to defuse violence where it occurs, many regional political figures have been directly implicated in sponsoring it. The impunity attached to such violence is starkly illustrated by the case of the chairman of Etche local government in Rivers state, who has faced no formal sanction since allegedly shooting three of his constituents during a protest in 2006, killing one young man and seriously wounding another."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Oil companies drawn into conflicts; they failed to respond to human rights abuses committed by security forces protecting them ("World Report 2007") [ID 18986]

"Multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta have become drawn into the region’s conflicts in a way that has made the companies central parties to them. There are real constraints on the companies’ ability to extricate themselves from this situation, but they have often failed to meet their basic responsibilities towards the communities around them. Companies have generally not responded effectively to human rights abuses committed by security forces assigned to protect their operations. They have also failed to curb environmentally harmful practices such as gas flaring, or to eliminate the occurrence of oil spills caused by aging and poorly maintained infrastructure."

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2006 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

In 2006 armed groups used increasingly violent means to gain greater control of oil wealth; many were displaced ("Heightened risk of violence and displacement ahead of 2007 elections") [ID 17985]

"Displacement has also been closely linked to oil production in the Niger Delta. While the Delta region has been volatile for many years, with impover-ished local communities accusing suc-cessive governments as well as oil companies of depriving them of their fair share of oil revenues, tensions escalated dramatically in early 2006. Armed mili-tia groups used increasingly violent means in their attempt to gain greater control of oil wealth, clashing with the Nigerian army, kidnapping numerous foreign oil workers and destroying oil installations, reducing the country’s oil exports by at least 20 per cent (IRIN, 26 June 2006). Violence between local mili-tia and security forces as well as inter-militia fighting in the Delta region has frequently forced people to flee their homes and widespread destruction of property has occurred (HRW, February 2005; AI, November 2005)."

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2006 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Delta region: Human rights abuses against civilians by security forces continue ("Heightened risk of violence and displacement ahead of 2007 elections") [ID 18030]

"In the oil-rich but impoverished Delta region, brutal repression of protests and human rights abuses against civilians by the Nigerian security forces – including “collective punishment” of entire communities - continue to be a “routine tactic”, according to Amnesty International (AI, November 2005)."

Document(s): Open document

09.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Niger Delta: Security forces brutally repress protests ("Freedom in the World 2006") [ID 18163]

"However, Amnesty International said in November that brutal repression of protests remained a routine tactic of Nigerian security forces in the oil-rich Niger Delta, and that communities protesting in the region often suffered "collective punishment" by security forces."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Niger Delta: Security forces killed people with impunity ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 17506]

"The security forces in the Niger Delta killed people and razed communities with impunity to prevent disruption to oil production and in response to community protests."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Injustice and violence in oil-producing Niger Delta region continue; protesters against oil companies face violence and arbitrary detention ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 17598]

"The exploration and production of oil continued to result in deprivation, injustice and violence in the oil-producing Niger Delta region. The proliferation of small arms – reportedly part-financed by oil thefts – and the government’s inadequate disarmament programmes compounded the violence. The security forces razed communities and killed and injured people with impunity. Community activists who protested in pursuit of rights and resources, sometimes against oil companies, faced violence and arbitrary detention. The security forces often responded with disproportionate, including lethal, force. Whole communities were targeted for allegedly hindering oil production or harbouring criminal groups. Oil spills and gas flaring continued to contribute to environmental degradation and affect health and livelihoods. In a historic judgment, all oil companies were ordered to stop gas flaring by the High Court in Benin state on 14 November, on the grounds that it contravened human rights including the right to life. However, access to justice for the victims of most human rights abuses remained out of reach because of expensive and lengthy litigation processes. On 4 February soldiers fired tear gas and later live ammunition to disperse as many as 300 protesters at the Chevron Nigeria-operated Escravos oil terminal in Delta State. One demonstrator, fisherman Bawo Ajeboghuku, was shot and later died, and at least 30 others were injured. The protesters from the Ugborodo community said that Chevron Nigeria had not provided the jobs and development projects promised in return for a “non-disruptive operating environment” in a 2002 agreement between the company and the community. No thorough or independent investigation was known to have been conducted by the federal government or Chevron Nigeria. On 19 February soldiers invaded the community of Odioma in Bayelsa State, killing at least 17 people and razing about 80 per cent of the buildings. Two women were reportedly raped and community leaders said they were beaten and forced to eat sand. The purpose of the raid was to arrest leaders of an armed vigilante group allegedly responsible for killing 12 people in January. The findings of a state-level judicial commission of inquiry was not made public ."

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08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Tensions in oil-producing areas remains high ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 15691]

"Tensions between members of ethnic groups in the oil-producing areas and employees and contractors of oil companies remained high; however, unlike in the previous year, there were no reported killings."

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08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

2 oil workers kidnapped on 28 September ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 15822]

"On September 28, a gang of armed youths kidnapped two Pan Ocean Oil Corporation workers from a bar in the Delta State. Shortly afterwards, the bus transporting the hostages was spotted, and police quickly freed the hostages after a brief gun battle in which the bus driver was killed."

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08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Kidnappings appear to have been part of longstanding ethnic disputes over resources ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 15824]

"As in previous years, some kidnappings, particularly in the Delta, appear to have been part of longstanding ethnic disputes over resources. Due to limited manpower and resources, police and armed forces rarely were able to confront the perpetrators of these acts, especially in the volatile Delta region."

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25.01.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Villagers flee delta amid fears of military reprisals after wave of attacks on foreign oil companies by Ijaw militia ("Villagers flee Nigerian oil delta, troops move in (Reuters)") [#42914],  [ID 14610]

"Villagers fled Nigeria's lawless delta on Wednesday amid fears of military reprisals after a wave of attacks on foreign oil companies by ethnic Ijaw militia.

The army deployed more troops to key installations and oil companies tightened security around their offices a day after heavily armed men stormed the headquarters of Italian oil firm Agip, killing eight policemen and one civilian, and robbed a bank on the premises."

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24.01.2006 - Source: BBC News

Port Harcourt: At least 9 people killed when unidentified gunmen stormed offices of Italian oil company Agip ("Gunmen attack Nigeria oil complex") [#42660],  [ID 14611]

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16.01.2006 - Source: BBC News

Bayelsa state: 5 workers injured when gunmen clashed with Nigerian soldiers as they attacked an oil platform operated by Shell in Niger Delta ("Speedboat attack on Nigeria rig") [#41942],  [ID 14612]

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03.11.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on human rights violations committed this year at Escravos oil terminal and community of Odioma by security forces ("Ten years on: Injustice and violence haunt the oil Delta") [#38548],  [ID 14613]

"Ten years after the executions of writer and human rights campaigner Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Ogoni ethnic community horrified the world, the exploitation of oil in the Niger Delta continues to result in deprivation, injustice and violence. Despite a return to civilian government in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, those responsible for human rights violations under military governments have not been brought to justice. The security forces continue to kill people and raze communities with impunity. The environmental harm to health and livelihoods that impelled the Ogoni campaign for economic and social rights remains the reality for many inhabitants of the Delta region."

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25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Niger Delta: Oil, Human Rights and Violence ("Annual Report 2005") [#32249],  [ID 14614]

"Die Gewalt im Nigerdelta ebbte 2004 nicht ab. Aus der Region trafen erneut Meldungen über den exzessiven Einsatz von Gewalt durch die Sicherheitskräfte und Beamte mit Polizeibefugnissen ein. Im Berichtszeitraum wurden in den Bundesstaaten Delta, Bayelsa und Rivers viele hundert Menschen getötet. Die wirtschaftlichen, sozialen und kulturellen Rechte der Bewohner des Nigerdeltas – der größten Erdölförderregion des Landes – wurden weithin nicht respektiert, sodass es zunehmend zu Spannungen sowohl innerhalb als auch zwischen den dort lebenden Gemeinschaften kam. Verschärft wurde die Situation noch durch den leichten Zugang zu Waffen in der Region. Einrichtungen der Ölgesellschaften wie zum Beispiel Ölleitungen waren häufig Zielscheibe von Anschlägen und Sabotageakten, aber auch die Mitarbeiter der Ölfirmen sahen sich oftmals Übergriffen ausgesetzt."

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28.11.2003 - Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Query response on an oil pipeline leak in the Sapele area of Delta State in April 2000 that resulted in several deaths and the destruction of houses by fire and led to the youth wing of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) group taking 17 Shell employees hostage ("An oil pipeline leak in the Sapele area of Delta State in April 2000 that resulted in several deaths and the destruction of houses by fire and led to the youth wing of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) group taking 17 Shell employees hostage [NGA42191.E]") [ID 24530]

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10.2003 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

Oil criminality increases in the Niger Delta region ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 14615]

"6.91 Amid this confusion, and abetted by the notorious inefficiency of the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), oil industry experts reckon that well organised gangs of thieves siphon off up to 200,000 barrels of oil per day to sell on the black market. Some of the proceeds from this racket are used to flood the delta with guns that are making its complex web of conflicts even more deadly.

6.92 Disruption of oil production and kidnapping of employees of oil companies has continued in the region; most of those kidnapped are released unharmed after a short period of time. Oil pipelines have also been vandalised, either by local people or by criminals intent on stealing oil. These incidents have resulted in a number of explosions and fires, which have killed or injured many local people. The Nigerian government is attempting to address this problem and has expressed its intention to deploy security forces to protect pipelines.

6.93 On 23 June more than 40 unidentified gunmen boarded a tugboat in a creek near Warri and took hostage a German and two Filipinos who were working for an oil service company contracted to Shell, Nigeria's biggest oil producer. The kidnappers sent a ransom note demanding 25 million naira - the equivalent of nearly US $200,000 - for the hostages' release.

6.94 The following day in the eastern Niger delta, near the oil industry capital Port Harcourt, an armed gang which was siphoning off crude oil from a pipeline engaged navy troops in a 40-minute firefight before fleeing.

6.95 Tapping into pipelines to steal oil has become a common practice in the delta. On June 24, more than 125 were burned to death when a leaking pipeline ignited after fuel thieves had bored into it. Those who died, and more than 200 people who were injured in the conflagration, were all trying to scoop up leaking petrol.

6.96 Earlier, in April, saboteurs used explosives to blow up a major pipeline transporting crude oil from the Escravos crude oil terminal of ChevronTexaco to refineries in Warri and the northern city of Kaduna. Both refineries have remained shut since then, aggravating Nigeria's chronic fuel shortage and creating lucrative opportunities for black market suppliers.

6.97 In May the main pipeline supplying gas from Escravos to Nigeria's biggest power station, near Lagos, was similarly blasted. This act of sabotage reduced the country's electricity generation capacity by a quarter.

6.98 No one has claimed responsibility for any of these incidents, but nearly all occurred in areas close to Ijaw communities. The Nigerian navy has, not surprisingly, accused armed Ijaw militants of being responsible for the attacks.

6.99 Shell estimates some 200,000 barrels of oil per day - about 10 percent of Nigeria's total output is lost through the sabotage of pipelines. It reckons that about half this volume is stolen by powerful and well-organised gangs with high level connections.

6.100 More than 19 vessels believed to have been used in the illegal business known locally as "bunkering" have been seized by the navy this year. Military sources said this trade had financed the purchase of guns, which are now awash in the region.

6.101 The FNDIC, the only militant Ijaw group in the western delta with a public face, denies any involvement in the blasting of pipelines and the theft of oil, but its leaders decline to discuss the source of their weapons."

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28.05.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Deployment of Army and navy troops to protect oil companies led to a series of clashes between armed forces and local students, youths and activists. ("Annual Report 2003") [#13067],  [ID 14616]

"Tension continued to mount in the oil-producing Delta region. There were widespread protests against the oil companies and the federal government on issues such as environmental degradation, lack of compensation, and lack of development assistance to local communities. Permanent deployment of army and navy troops to protect oil companies against "saboteurs" led to a series of clashes between armed forces and local students, youths and activists."

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09.04.2003 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Appeal to main oil companies and Nigerian government to restore security in Niger Delta ("Nigeria: Government and Oil Firms Should Act on Delta Violence") [#11941],  [ID 14617]

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22.10.2002 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Occupation of oil facilities, the seizure of boats and other equipment groups by semi-criminal militants, reported ("The Niger delta: No democratic dividend") [#9184],  [ID 15307]

"The occupation of oil facilities or the seizure of boats and other equipment belonging to oil companies and their contractors is a regular occurrence in the delta. Sometimes these are carried out by groups of semi-criminal militants acting on their own account and may involve outsider “mercenaries” brought in by prominent politicians or former military officers seeking direct profit from the oil industry (“hostage-taking” in particular can be very profitable)."

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