Conflict in the Niger Delta
The current conflict in the Niger Delta first arose in the early 1990s over tensions between foreign oil corporations and a number of the Niger Delta's minority ethnic groups who feel they are being exploited, particularly the Ogoni and the Ijaw. Ethnic and political unrest continued throughout the 1990s despite the return to democracy and the election of the Obasanjo government in 1999. Struggle for oil wealth and environmental harm over its impacts has fueled violence between ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups, Nigerian military and police forces, notably the Nigerian Mobile Police. The violence has contributed to Nigeria's ongoing energy supply crisis by discouraging foreign investment in new power generation plants in the region.
Conflict in the Niger Delta | |||||||
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Map of Nigeria numerically showing states typically considered part of the Niger Delta region: 1. Abia, 2. Akwa Ibom, 3. Bayelsa, 4. Cross River, 5. Delta, 6. Edo, 7.Imo, 8. Ondo, 9. Rivers | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Nigerian government
List
Belarus Israel |
Niger Delta Republic
Niger Delta Marine Force
Biafran separatists (from 2021)
Supported by: Bandits Pirates Nigerian mafia
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Former commanders
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Henry Okah (POW) Soboma George † | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
150,000 soldiers | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
2,500+ killed ~15,000 militants surrendered as of 2023 |
From 2004 on, violence also hit the oil industry with piracy and kidnappings. In 2009, a presidential amnesty program accompanied with support and training of ex-militants proved to be a success. Thus until 2011, victims of crimes were fearful of seeking justice for crimes committed against them because of a failure to prosecute those responsible for human rights abuses.