afrol News, 22 June - The Royal Dutch Shell has confirmed three attacks on oil facilities in the troubled delta region in Nigeria. The militant attacks in Niger Delta have cut the oil production in Africa’s former biggest oil producer by 20 percent since 2006.

In a statement issued Sunday by the Company, three major attacks were launched against pipelines in the eastern part of the Niger Delta, saying most of the attacks have dominantly took place in remote areas.

"Shell is investigating the impact on facilities, the environment and the production capabilities," the statement added.

The attack which reportedly took place on Sunday morning, and the Delta’s main militants group the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta claimed the responsibility for their attacks, are part of a Shell joint venture that provides oil to several companies.

MEND has also threatened to expand its war from the Delta into northern parts of Nigeria, saying both President Umaru Yar’Adua and his government had failed to end the long dragging conflict in the Delta.

The group has warned oil companies and foreign interests to leave the region threatening more attacks. On Monday, MEND also threatened to disrupt the junior FIFA under-17 World Cup to be hosted by Nigeria later this year.

The group has declared war against the government following what it called unprovoked attacks on its territories. It is not the first declaration of war by MEND, which demands that more of Nigeria's oil wealth be invested in the region instead of enriching those whom the militants consider corrupt politicians.

Fresh violence in the Niger Delta has seen Nigeria slip back again as Africa’s top oil producer, with Angola reclaiming the spot once more. Nigeria has seen a cut of almost 40 percent of its oil production per day, since the violence took toll.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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