afrol News, 24 September - Nigeria's main militant group have said air forces raided a camp of a notorious regional gang leader on Tuesday despite the group having declared unilateral ceasefire three days ago.

Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta has reported attacks in an e-mail statement on bases of Ateke Tom, saying it would not undo their unilateral declaration to end six days of violence on southern region last week.

Brigadier-General Mohammed Yusuf, spokesman for Nigeria's defense headquarters, did not confirm or deny a strike but said joint military task force, comprising ground troops, navy and air force, was a permanent presence in the delta.

"We are not at war with anyone. We are there permanently to maintain peace and security against brigands who carry out lawless activities," he said.

MEND militant group emerged about three years ago to agitate for more federally controlled oil-industry funds to be sent to southern Niger Delta, which remains deeply impoverished despite five decades of crude production in Africa's oil giant.

Earlier this month, militants had declared "war on oil" on Nigeria's oil industry after a fierce military raid on one of their bases. Mend declared a ceasefire after appeals from local leaders, but it warned it would end the truce if attacked by the army again.

"MEND will not play into the hands of the military by retaliating and putting the peace process in jeopardy at this time," group said in an e-mailed statement.

Although militants and military generally avoid each other, military has shown increased force in recent weeks, sparking six days of reprisal raids by militants who said the region had descended into war.

Recent violence has been worst in two years and on Saturday oil giant Shell was forced to declare a "force majeure" - which frees it from contractual obligations - on crude oil shipments from its Niger Delta facilities.

The group has made similar truce declarations following previous sabotage campaigns in the past year. Attacks have generally resumed some weeks later. Joint Task Force of security forces, based in Rivers State, said it was unaware of the ceasefire offer and that its operations would continue as normal.

Violence has increased pressure on Umaru Yar'Adua, Nigeria's president, to show he is committed to fulfilling campaign pledges made last year to focus on ending the conflict.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories