The Hindu : International : Nigerian militia threatens `full-scale' struggle

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 30, 2004

International

International

Nigerian militia threatens `full-scale' struggle

LAGOS, SEPT. 29. Militiamen trying to wrest control of the oil-rich Niger Delta threatened to launch a ``full-scale armed struggle'' on petroleum-pumping operations in Africa's largest crude oil producing nation, urging foreign oil workers to leave the region.

A military spokesman, however, called Tuesday's threats `empty.' Major oil companies played down the warnings, saying they would not seriously affect exports and issuing no orders to staff to pull out. The threats have pushed world oil prices to historic highs of $50 per barrel.

``Any part of Nigeria, wherever we have the opportunity to strike any target, we will strike,'' said the militia leader, Moujahid Dokubo-Asari, who heads the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force.

Dokubo-Asari, seen as a folk hero by many poor residents who complain they have never shared in the oil wealth, said foreign workers would be considered targets from October 1 — the 44th anniversary of Nigeria's independence from Britain.

Self-determination

Mr. Dokubo-Asari claims to be fighting for self-determination in the region and greater control over oil resources for more than 8 million Ijaws, the dominant tribe in the southern delta region, which accounts for nearly all of Nigeria's daily oil exports.

The Government dismisses the group as criminals, accusing them of illegally siphoning oil from pipelines.

Washington today said it was in close contact with the Nigerian Government and American companies that operate in the region. ``We've made clear to the Nigerian authorities they have a responsibility to keep the peace in that area, for the sake of the people as well as for the safety of American citizens and property,'' he said.

Some Nigerian analysts say the militia could disrupt oil operations, but does not have the power to shut them down.

Nigeria's military launched its latest offensive against Mr. Dokubo-Asari's fighters early this month in response to deadly raids in August by the militia into Port Harcourt, the main oil industry centre.

Since then, army helicopter gunships and troops in gunboats have raided and bombarded 10 towns and villages considered militia strongholds, resulting in the death of dozens of people, militia leaders say.

Though it is difficult to determine the militia's strength, Mr. Dokubo-Asari claims to command 2,000 fighters and the support of tens of thousands ethnic Ijaw fighters.

`Not worried'

A spokesman for Royal Dutch/Shell's subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd., said, ``We are not really worried about the threats. But we have to watch the situation as it develops.''

The company said, however, that it was ``taking precautionary measures for the safety of staff'' and had ordered their movements curtailed. — AP

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