Nigeria: Militants threaten to attack Niger Delta oil facilities

Event

On Monday, November 12, the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators militant group issued a statement threatening to carry out attacks against multinational oil companies in the state of Akwa Ibom and throughout the Niger Delta. The deployment of additional security forces to the area is likely in response to the threat. Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups in the region remain possible in the short to medium term.

Context

A significant number of militant groups are active in the Delta region, frequently attacking oil and gas facilities. The groups primarily demand the redistribution of wealth generated by oil assets in the Niger Delta. In 2016, attacks on oil facilities brought Nigeria's oil production to a 30-year low.

Advice

Individuals present in the Niger Delta region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and, if possible, avoid nonessential travel to affected regions.

The security environment in Nigeria is complex, and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.