Attack on Oil Facility

The Nigerian militant group MEND has claimed responsibility for an attack on an Agip facility in Niger Delta. The group have stated that the attack is the start of a new concerted campaign of sabotage targeting the oil industry.

In a emailed statement, Mend spokesperson Jomo Gbomo said “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) hereby confirm that the attack on the Agip Clough Creek oil flow station in the late hours of Tuesday the 15th of March 2011 was carried out by our fighters“.

He added that “This attack is to mark the start of our promised campaign against the Nigerian oil industry,” and also stated that “This attack and similar attacks on pipelines and flows stations which will take place within the next few days is a reminder to the Nigerian government and the general public not to take our threats for granted.”

Army sources have said that the attack was actually conducted by local youths and Mend was attempting to take the credit. Only a few days ago (see MEND Threatens Ports) Gbomo warned that Mend was about to begin a new campaign of attacks against oil installations.

Claiming to be fighting for a more equitable distribution of wealth in the impoverished oil-producing Niger Delta, over the years Mend have conducted a long-running campaign of sabotage against the oil sector.

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Mark Lowe, Friday 18 March 2011