Fresh militant attack deals a blow to Nigeria's oil production

The new militant group in Nigeria, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has once again bombed facilities belonging to Chevron Oil company, further depleting the country's crude oil production.

The group on Thursday night attacked two separate gas and oil pipelines located at Abiteye in the Delta State, becoming the third attack on the company within a month.

The attacks have forced the company to shut its crude oil production in some fields in the western Niger Delta.

NDA had earlier issued a two weeks ultimatum for crude oil field owners to vacate the region. In its warning, the group said it will target blocks owned by prominent Nigerians from outside the oil-rich region. According to the militants, companies that failed to heed call to halt operations as per their warning will be forcefully shut.

In a statement released online earlier by the group's spokesperson, Mudoch Agbinibo, NDA revealed plans to "display our currency, national flag, passport, our ruling council and our territory to the world’’.

Addressing the United Nations, the group clarified that: “We are not asking for much, but to free the people of the Niger Delta from environmental pollution, slavery, and oppression.

On Thursday night, NDA attacked the crude oil pipeline, which is the Chevron's major trunk used to convey oil for export.

Facilities of Agip Oil Company, another oil producer, had also been bombed two times by the militant group within the one month that the group commenced attacks.

The country's daily oil production has dropped from 2.2 million barrels to less than 1.6 million barrels and the latest attack, according to sources, would further deplete production by 13 per cent.

The attacks also reduced supply of crude oil to Kaduna and Warri refineries after the trunk used to transport oil to the companies were destroyed.

Responding to the crisis, the military mobilised and deployed troops, including Air Force and Navy, to the Niger Delta region to combat the militants.

The government also set up a 13-member committee to dialogue with the militant groups in the region.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Gabriel Olonishakin, said the military would engage the militant group to stop the attacks.

“Government and military is using multi-faceted approach rather than force alone to ensure that resurgent attacks on oil and gas installations are stopped.

“We have told them (militants) to stop the destruction of oil and gas facilities and other critical national assets as it negatively affects the economy with an impact on livelihood of the people.

“If they (militants) have grievances, they should take it up with government rather than their current approach, which is not in the best interest of the nation,’’ said Gen Olonishakin.