Things are hotting up even more in the Delta now.
It seems that a local Shell Community Liaison Officer may have been one of the 11 people reported killed in crossfire between the Joint Task Force and militants who were apparently trying to help Shell in securing his release. This is not absolutely sure and the whole incident seems to be reported in a series of different stories. The white collar PENGASSAN union is threatening strikes unless something is done.
There also seems to be no news of the 5 expats who were kidnapped from Goodfellas bar in PH GRA 10 days ago.
Despite this it's surprising the number of expats who are still to be seen on the golf courses every day - an insecure location if ever there was one. In contrast, it's reported that the golf course inside the 'secure' Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Residential Area on Bonny is now out of bounds as part of their heightened security measures.
There seem to be fewer expats around during the day, but there a few diehards (or dimwits - depends on where you're coming from
) still out and about with an apparent disregard for their personal securitymost days and nights.
Meanwhile there are reports of a meeting of militant groups in a village in Bayelsa State in the last few days. Naturally, it's not known exactly what they discussed, but it's said they plan more, and bigger attacks of the 'shock and awe' variety and reprisal attacks for the militants who were killed by the JTF as mentioned earlier. They are also trying to get Dokubi Asari, the detained militant leader, accused of treason, adopted as a candidate in the Rivers State gubrnatorial elections.
There is little doubt that attacks will increase as the Presidential elections get closer and everyone flying in the Niger Delta should be very security aware in the coming months. Take it easy and fly safe guys
