Energy News  
Nigeria sets up new panel to fight oil theft, attacks

The unrest in the Delta has reduced Nigeria's oil output by more than one quarter. Production currently stands at between 1.8 and two million barrels a day against 2.6 million barrels two years ago.
by Staff Writers
Abuja (AFP) Nov 25, 2008
Nigeria on Tuesday set up a new security panel, the latest in a series of units tasked with stemming kidnappings and oil theft in the restive Niger Delta, the country's military chief said.

The 12-strong panel -- comprising officials from the army, air force, navy, police, state intelligence and transport ministries -- and led by a senior navy official, has been given three months to oversee a clean-up of the area.

Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike said the militant attacks undermined national security.

"Recent developments in our waterways like illegal oil bunkering (theft), kidnappings, hostage taking have become serious cause of concern for government," Dike said, launching the panel.

"These activities pose serious threat to national security. These acts of illegality which include economic sabotage and armed smuggling, if not completely addressed, could undermine our national security interest," Dike said.

A force comprising police and the military was deployed five years ago in the Niger Delta to protect oil facilities and their workers from armed militants who claim to be fighting for a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth for the local people.

President Umaru Yar'Adua recently created a Niger Delta ministry, although no minister has yet been appointed.

It it not clear how the various entities meant to police the Delta will interact.

Hundreds of both local and foreign oil workers have been kidnapped in the area while a string of violent attacks have targetted oil installations.

The unrest in the Delta has reduced Nigeria's oil output by more than one quarter. Production currently stands at between 1.8 and two million barrels a day against 2.6 million barrels two years ago.

Share This Article With Planet Earth
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit
YahooMyWebYahooMyWeb GoogleGoogle FacebookFacebook



Related Links
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


Kenya readies for oil spill scenario
Nairobi (AFP) Nov 25, 2008
Kenya is preparing to counter a possible oil slick from a Saudi super-tanker seized by Somali pirates should efforts to free the vessel and its two million barrels of crude go awry, officials said Tuesday.







  • Analysis: PKK oil attack needs response
  • Nigeria sets up new panel to fight oil theft, attacks
  • Kenya readies for oil spill scenario
  • Russian president visits Petrobras on Brazil trip

  • Outside View: Venezuela's nuclear plans
  • Areva delays uranium mine project in Canada
  • Jordan, China sign nuclear protocol
  • IAEA chief says no basis for denying Syria help on nuclear plant

  • Asia not responsible for 'brown haze': India
  • NRL's SHIMMER Observes Earth's Highest Clouds
  • Brown clouds of pollution a huge threat to Asia: UN
  • Global Methane Levels On The Rise Again

  • Forests May Play Overlooked Role In Regulating Climate
  • Urban Trees Enhance Water Infiltration
  • Macedonia plants six million trees to revive fire-ravaged forests
  • Left untouched, world's largest mangrove forest recovering fast

  • China's high prices boost Bangladesh garment exports
  • British food waste collections debated
  • From Genes To Farmers' Fields
  • Japan's Itochu to take stake in Chinese food giant

  • Analysis: German cars to turn green?
  • EU fails to reach agreement on car emissions regime
  • BMW and Swedish Vatenfall plan electric car network for Berlin
  • Greener cars the price for automaker aid

  • Two China airlines to get govt aid: state media
  • China's air show saw four bln dollars in deals: report
  • China plane-makers take first steps to rival global giants
  • Aviation giants look to China amid global turbulence



  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement