The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has struck again, seizing another oil vessel off the coast of Nigeria. Among the captured crew are two Russians, a Ukrainian, an Indian and two Filipinos. The Nigerian military moved swiftly to recover the vessel today but the six crew continue to be held hostage by the militants. MEND (pictured) has stepped up attacks recently, claiming to have sabotaged Shell and Agip oil pipelines in the region, as it seeks control over the energy revenues.
Also in Nigeria gunmen abducted an elderly grandmother from her home – a surprise move given the federal government’s offer of amnesty to militants in the Niger Delta in an appeal for peace.
