September 26, 2008: Despite rebel
protests (and their unilateral ceasefire), the military continues to seek out
and attack rebels in the Niger Delta. Over 200 suspected rebels have been
arrested, and several dozen killed or wounded. The new commanders of the army
are under orders to shut down the rebel activities, and clean up the corruption
and inefficiency in the military.
September 21, 2008: Faced with a
growing counteroffensive by the army, Niger Delta rebel group MEND has declared
a unilateral ceasefire. The military said they would ignore the ceasefire.
September 20, 2008: Rebels in the
Niger Delta bombed another oil pipeline. The attacks in the last week have
reduced oil shipments by 280,000, and only about 1.8 million barrels a day (from a potential max of
2.6 million barrels) are being shipped. The army has counterattacked, and at
least ten rebels were killed today by these operations, along with three
speedboats sunk.
September 19, 2008: The new
commander of the army has sent investigators to the Niger Delta, there being
suspicions that some soldiers have been corrupted (paid off) by rebels (who
have made a lot of money stealing oil.)
September 18, 2008: A week of
attacks by tribal rebels in the Niger Delta has halted shipment of 150,000
barrels of oil a day. The army has responded by sending five battalions of
infantry into the delta, seeking out and attacking rebel bases and wanted
individuals.
