afrol News, 1 October - Nigerian military arrested hundreds of suspected insurgents yesterday after a spate of attacks in volatile southern oil region.

Officials said more than 400 suspects were apprehended during military raids in area surrounding oil hub, Port Harcourt, that began last week after militants ended a string of attacks and declared a ceasefire on 21 September.

According regional military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, raids were prompted by intelligence reports that militants were launching a recruitment drive to replace heavy losses suffered in their recent six-day campaign.

Lt Col Musa said most of suspects were released following questioning, adding that some were held in prison awaiting trial.

Recent spike in militant activity was one of worst to hit Africa's oil leader in years.

State oil company said daily production is now down about 40 per cent from Nigeria's normal daily output of 2.5 million barrels, helping send crude prices to historical heights this year in international markets.

Militant group, Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) emerged about three years ago, calling for more federally controlled oil-industry revenue to flow to impoverished southern states where petroleum is produced.

MEND, which is a loose alliance of various armed gangs operating in southern Niger Delta, has been on a campaign attacking military bases, destroying pipeline-switching stations and blows up pipelines that carry crude from wells to export terminals in southern Nigeria.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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