This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7620390.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Nigeria militants step up 'war' Nigeria militants step up 'war'
(about 4 hours later)
Militants have attacked another oil facility in Nigeria's Delta region, after "declaring war" at the weekend.Militants have attacked another oil facility in Nigeria's Delta region, after "declaring war" at the weekend.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said it had destroyed Shell's Orubiri flow-station.The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said it had destroyed Shell's Orubiri flow-station.
"Militants in eight speed boats attacked Orubiri with bombs, dynamite and hand grenades," said military spokesman Lt Col Sagir Musa."Militants in eight speed boats attacked Orubiri with bombs, dynamite and hand grenades," said military spokesman Lt Col Sagir Musa.
This is the fourth attack this week. Nigeria's oil production has been cut by 20% due to the unrest.This is the fourth attack this week. Nigeria's oil production has been cut by 20% due to the unrest.
Col Musa told Reuters news agency that no soldiers had been killed in the attack.Col Musa told Reuters news agency that no soldiers had been killed in the attack.
Militants also claimed to have blown up a major oil pipeline at Rumuekpe in Rivers State, but the military could not confirm the attack.Militants also claimed to have blown up a major oil pipeline at Rumuekpe in Rivers State, but the military could not confirm the attack.
Hostages freed Hostages not free
The BBC's Andrew Walker in Nigeria says the recent fighting has been the heaviest in two years between militants and security forces.The BBC's Andrew Walker in Nigeria says the recent fighting has been the heaviest in two years between militants and security forces.
Mend says it has killed at least 29 people, mostly soldiers, although this has been denied by the military.Mend says it has killed at least 29 people, mostly soldiers, although this has been denied by the military.
Two other Shell facilities have been attacked, while a raid on one owned by Chevron was fought off on Tuesday.Two other Shell facilities have been attacked, while a raid on one owned by Chevron was fought off on Tuesday.
Late on Tuesday, two South African hostages were released, Col Musa said. On Tuesday, the military said two South African hostages captured on the weekend had been released, but this has been denied by Mend.
Earlier, a British oil worker was seized in the Delta's main city, Port Harcourt. The South Africans were among 27, including two Britons, seized from an oil services ship on Saturday.
In an e-mail send to journalists, Mend threatened to widen their attacks outside Rivers State, where the clashes have occurred in the past few days. The other workers were Nigerians, Mend said.
Mend said it was "declaring war" in response to attacks by the military. "For the avoidance of doubt Mend wishes to state we still have custody of the two South African Hostages," an e-mail to journalists said.
The group also said the hostages would be used as a "human shield" during their handover, which Mend said would happen soon.
On Monday a British oil worker was seized in the Delta's main city, Port Harcourt.
Mend said it was "declaring war" in response to attacks by the military, which it said had left seven of its fighters dead on Saturday.
Some 200 foreign oil workers have been taken hostage in recent years.Some 200 foreign oil workers have been taken hostage in recent years.
Almost all have been freed, normally in return for a ransom, although this is always officially denied.Almost all have been freed, normally in return for a ransom, although this is always officially denied.
The militants claim to be fighting for the rights of inhabitants of the oil-producing Niger Delta, who mostly live in poverty.The militants claim to be fighting for the rights of inhabitants of the oil-producing Niger Delta, who mostly live in poverty.
But many say they are criminal gangs out to extort money from oil companies.But many say they are criminal gangs out to extort money from oil companies.