What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)

[SASless]

why don't you do it in a more appropriate (read private) venue, be sure you know who you're communicating WITH and work toward solutions instead of publicizing the sort of information that's appeared in the last couple of days on this thread without a thought toward your colleagues.
There are a whole lot of people in Nigeria who are absolutely spectacular at pointing out where all the problems are and then they smugly sit on their a*ses saying 'I told you so'.Back home we call them barbers and taxi drivers.

Um....how many times have folks beseeched the Dino's to act proactively about Security, Transportation, lodging et al, to no avail. Don't confuse those who have been there for years and thereafter take issue with those whose poor decisions place them in peril with those that have not been there and thus do not have an accurate understanding of the situation.

Please read back on the thread and look for the discussion about Bristow's sohphisticated response to the morning Lagos Crew bus getting tricked by 9mm parabellums with two pilots being wounded and the rest somewhat rattled. The installation of velour curtains on the bus and the installation of an FM radio was an amazing measure guarnateed to prevent similar attacks.

There is a lot of history to this situation that you may have missed over the years if you have been hanging out in the military forum and were not a regular here.

Ask around and find out how many pilots have been held hostage at some point in their employment....sometimes by the bandits and insurgents too.

For that matter....how many takeovers have been done by the police or Army for that matter. I can recall leaving Forcardos North Bank when it became apparant the Army Troops there were going to occupy the aircraft by running off the waiting Shell passengers by pointing guns at them.

The Nigerian Oil Patch dances to a different tune than most places.

[Perro Rojo]

Boys, boys, boys.

As a long time CHC employee I'm here to tell you that YVR will NOT address the security concerns that you all are discussing. To do so would be to admit that there IS a security problem.

Umm..., go fly a kite. This Nigeria discussion makes for interesting reading for the rest of us and keeps us up to date on the latest happenings in case the Boss should try and send us to Nigeria.

[chuks]

Home thoughts from abroad...

After being shot at on our way to Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Nigeria I went through a period of analysis, SASless-style, even though I have never knowingly eaten any snakes.

At the end of it all I came to the same basic conclusion: living in an insecure suburb of Lagos one is just too damned exposed to the risk of an ambush. Tactics favour the bad guys in that they can always bring more deadly force to bear at a certain point than you could ever afford to have with you, even if it were available. (I mean guys with clean, serviceable weapons who can shoot straight; I wouldn't expect Legionnaires ready to die to the last man.)

'Umm' has a point, I suppose, but it's pretty clear to anyone in the area that the compound has a fixed location, fixed travel times, fixed routes (given that one could only drive out the gate and go right, right, left, right to the motorway or else go left, left, left, right to the motorway). For inside intelligence just one of the amateur prostitutes allowed to roam freely would suffice and just one bad guy with a mobile telephone watching the gate would do very nicely to tell the ambush team when to expect a certain vehicle at a certain point.

If you didn't want to go to the trouble of a roadblock you could just hang out in the milling crowds at one of the many points where a vehicle is slowed to a crawl in the usual Nigerian traffic chaos.

Even the most stupid of crims must be able to figure out the basics of how to pull this one off. Our lot were f*ck-ups in that they blocked our vehicle and then opened fire when they were supposed to block our vehicle, next rob us and THEN open fire. (I wanted to point this out to them but there was just no time for that, 'Hey, you! You are getting this all wrong!')

Management dismissed what happened as a one-off, basically. Well, what else could they do; spend a lot of money to upgrade our security when the threat level would inevitably rise like a tide to overwhelm whatever was accomplished? Better perhaps to just wait and see what happened next.

Either they were right or they have just been lucky but that gun attack was on 10 September 2001 and there has not been another one quite like it on that particular operation. Why not, no one really knows. Meanwhile guys are dying elsewhere, to say nothing of the way people are being grabbed right off the streets where it was once enough to avoid 'bush bars.'

I think the logical thing would be to do it Viet Nam-style and live right there next to the aircraft. That would mean the Nigerian Government admitting they have lost control of security, though. When have they done anything but paper over the cracks?

Algeria makes an interesting contrast, what little I have seen so far. If there are no vehicles at the destination airstrip you do not land, period. Of course one of these days it will be bad guys instead of good guys in the vehicles but things haven't got quite that far yet.

[SASless]

Chuks,
You give too little credence to the effect of blue curtains on armed robbers. It must be pretty daunting in that there has been no repeat of the event in Lagos. Perhaps they have gone south and gotten into kidnapping which seems to have a better payoff than an armed robbery of Bristow Pilots.

They must have had a mole in the office eavesdropping on the Mandarins rather than co-opting the barman who would have repeated our moans about the pay and allowances.

Since taking the vow of sobriety I have seen some snakes and spiders but not eaten any yet.

[Nigerian Expat Outlaw]

What About The REAL Experts ?

There are a number of internationally known reputable security outfits operating in Nigeria. Control Risks, Armor Group etc. They live in the most secure compounds available in whichever area they are working. In Port Harcourt it is acknowledged that the safest place (except for the odd car bomb) is the RA. Next is Intels and that is where they are. We can't all fit in at Intels and Shell don't operate a B & B business, so where does that leave the rest of us ?

The earlier comment about Arreta being safe because of who owns it would have been valid during normal times, but these are not normal times. The gangs using the militancy to jump on the bandwagon and make money out of kidnapping, robbery etc couldn't care less who owns what, they just want the money. Same applies to Woji and Elelenwo.

One way to minimise the risk may be to accommodate people where they work and take advantage of the client's security blanket. Pay a premium to them for the lack of freedom and back charge it to the client in exchange for keeping their air lifeline running. Everyone has a choice. If the money isn't enough the exit door is open. There's work all over the world without these worries.

20 MOPOL in a convoy with flashing lights looks impressive, but when getting ambushed in a go slow by 50 well armed robbers it'll be window dressing. Why would they get killed to protect someone they don't even know for N5,000 a month (that's if their Commissioner pays them) ?

IMHO the transport area is the weak point in all this.

Just my two penneth, or cents worth for our friends across the pond.

NEO

[chuks]

Smile for the birdie!

Check out the National Geographic magazine for February. It has an article titled, 'Curse of Nigerian Oil,' which seems to tell it much as it is without offending those all-important local sensitivities.

[noooby]

Captain Buck:
Aero receive security threats from people nearly everyday. That statement on the Aussie Embassey website has been there for a good 6 months or so.

NEO:
Errr..... The Control Risks person employed by CHC lived with us on the Areta compound, not somewhere else, he should be back here a couple of weeks before elections to see how his changes are working. He was, impressed with how quickly his suggestions have been implemented, and by the fact that the company supported his recommendations with no whinging, all the way back to and including Vancouver. Thankyou Control Risks for sending us a guy who gave us the lowdown on what the real risks are.

And what did the Control Risks guy say was at the top of his list of things to watch for in Nigeria????? Avian bird flu. He reckons that is going to be like armageddon here at some point.

While I don't feel as safe here as I do in my home country, I do feel that adequate precautions are being taken to minimise my exposure to risk. Be aware of your surroundings, and always have an exit strategy. The SMS warning system introduced by CHC seems to be working well. All new hires are given a SIM card, gratis, so that they can be warned of trouble areas to avoid. Another system implemented by Control Risks.

[SASless]

Nooby,

Did the Control Risks project include training on what to do if taken?

There is a lot of material available on the web to read about that.

If you run across a certain Bristow Pilot that spent about three weeks in the bush courtesy of some hijackers....get him to talk to you about his experience.

He did an almost perfect performance while being held.

Guten Tag!

[Captain Buck]

noooby,
I'm glad you're happy with control risks, but why don't you have somebody from your security consultants with you all the time? It must be difficult to assess the risks if you're not there. I'm not there and all I have to assess what's happening is what you guys all right (and I'd hate to make any assessment based on that and a visit of a few days or weeks). I did point out myself that the warning has been there for nearer 9 months, and the fact that it's still there must mean something mustn't it? I'm surprised you get threats almost every day - what are you doing to upset these guys if you're just an air transport operator? We Americans, the Brits, the Aussies and most of the European nations have warnings on their diplomatic websites, and many of them now warn against any travel to the delta area of Nigeria except if absolutely necessary. I have a friend working for Shell out there who tells me that all their families have been sent back home, they're not even allowed to travel anywhere by road now (apparently they get ferried around by chopper) and even their national staff are only allowed to visit Port Harcourt if they have some kind of management approval saying that their journey is essential.
I once worked in Cameroon and it was totally different from what I read here every week. However, even there, with no problems like you guys have, some guys got complacent and then got mugged because they let their guard down.
The idea of a sim card and sending messages to people sounds pretty good. I found in Cameroon that while the internet was slow and unreliable, the cellular phone system was pretty good. Do all the companies there do the same thing? It would seem sensible if they cooperated on matters like this even if they're commercial competitors.
It sounds as if you're pretty much enjoying out there despite what's going on, but watch out you don't get complacent and let your guard down. remember that an exit strategy only works if you're somewhere where they have an exit. Keep safe and good luck.

[noooby]

SASless, yes I have info on what to do if kidnapped. Ofcourse, every kidnapping scenario is different, and no "idiots guide to being kidnapped" is going to prepare you for every different scenario. Have worked with people who have been kidnapped in Sth America, and have listened to their advice too.

Captain Buck, NEVER be complacent!!! ALWAYS minimise risk and/or exposure to risk. Be as safe as you possibly can.

Tis a real shame that the country is how it is when you think of the billions that have been squandered by various governors and presidents. The one thing that MEND really don't have is a political wing. But then, would they really be any better??

[anjouan]

Shell Tells All Expats To Stay Out Of Nigeria

Shell has now asked all expatriate staff who work in the Niger Delta not to return from leave:

Operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company in Niger Delta region have suffered further setback as the management of the Dutch oil firm directed its expatriate employees currently on annual vacation outside Nigeria not to return to the country.

Our correspondent learnt that the order emanated from the office of the Regional Chief Executive in charge of SHELL Africa, Mrs. Ann Pickard.

Already, Pickard had communicated the order to all foreign nationals in the service of Dutch firm reportedly on holiday abroad.

It was gathered that about 300 expatriates of different nationalities were affected by the stay away order.

A reliable source in western operational division of SPDC in Warri informed our correspondent that the directive was sequel to the worsening security situation in the region, especially the unabating abduction of foreign nationals in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

Our correspondent learnt that Pickard said the order would remain in force until security situation in the region improves to guarantee the safety of oil workers, particularly foreigners.

Our source said, ”The regional management has directed foreign workers in SPDC, who are currently on vacation to stay away from Nigeria until further notice because of the precarious security situation in the Niger Delta.

”Our management said kidnap of oil workers has not abated and that the safety of the foreigners could not be guaranteed in the region for now.”

Consequently, our correspondent learnt that some strategic assignments in the company, which required the expertise of the foreigners, had been abandoned in the wake of the latest disposition of the management.

SPDC‘s spokesman, Mr. Bisi Ojediran, confirmed the order, adding that the company regularly reviews the security situation in its areas of operation.

”We advise our staff, Nigerians, expatriates and contractors on their movements based on our assessment of the current risks, as a precautionary measure. We advised delay return for some of our expatriate staff returning to Niger Delta. That was for a short period only, they are now returning,” he added.

Meanwhile, as the elections get closer, politicians are just making the problem worse by covertly supporting the criminal gangs carrying out the kidnappings:

Kidnapping for ransom has become a booming business in Nigeria's oil producing region, the Niger Delta, and as the country prepares for April's general elections, the trend sees no sign of waning.


In the past year, violence and kidnapping in the Delta has spiralled.

More than 100 foreign workers have been abducted, some by militant groups fighting for local control of the oil wealth.

But increasingly hostages have been taken by gangs of gunmen seeking ransoms.

As a result some companies have pulled out, those that remain live under increasingly tight security.

'Getting jumpy'

"There were always troubles with various groups. But over the last year, the trouble's moved into town," said one oil worker living in a guarded compound in Port Harcourt.




"Before it was rather remote, happening in the swamps or way out of town in the bush, but then it came into town and that's when the curfew was introduced," explained the man, who wished to remain anonymous.

"Those of us who are here, tend to belong to a group of expats, who've been around the world, seen a lot of things. So it does take a lot to faze them.

"But even so they are getting fazed, they are getting weary. Even I when I go out of the compound with my driver, we look both ways to see if there is anyone who might want to take me, see if there's a car who might try and block us to take me away. So we are not exactly neurotic, but we getting a bit jumpy, a bit nervous."

Lockdown

So on the streets of Port Harcourt, few foreigners venture out without an armed escort.



Thousands of workers have left, many companies who remain are operating a lockdown on the compounds where workers live.

No-one is allowed out.

Those who work for the oil majors, like Shell and Chevron, can be housed in huge, relatively well-guarded, compounds. Even so, militants managed to plant a car bomb inside a Shell compound late last year.

Those most at risk work for contractors working in the industry both in the city and in the more remote countryside.

But now, even non oil sector foreigners have been kidnapped.

From pauper to rich man

Last year, initially most of those kidnapped were held by militants, who say they are fighting for local control of the oil wealth, and have been demanding the release of two prominent local leaders - including imprisoned militant Mujahid Dokubo Asari.



But increasingly, criminal gangs have become responsible for the bulk of the hostage takings.

Kidnapping has become a huge lucrative business.

"A lot of people know who is involved. You will know someone today who is a pauper, but once the man succeeded in a hostage taking, he is a rich man," explains Casi, a former gang member.

"So this is motivating others to take hostages.

"Six, seven people can get together, get a rifle and take some white people hostage. Maybe after five days the government will come and negotiate and release them. There are groups who are doing this thing just because of the ransom."

Gangs 'protected'

The Nigerian military faces a difficult task. Violence fuelled by poverty and neglect has been on the rise for years.

But with elections approaching, many say politicians are protecting the gangs, because they want to use them to rig elections.



More generally, the army is ill-equipped to patrol the creeks and forests of the Delta, an area about the size of Scotland - where the gangs take their hostages.

Brigadier general Samuel Saliyu is the top commander in Port Harcourt and says ultimately the solution to the violence is political not military.

"There is political will, but there are some in the political elite who are criminalizing, colluding and conniving.

"It's making our job difficult."

Chronic under-development

In the waterfront area of Port Harcourt, people are poor, living in densely packed houses and shacks. In the distance where the shacks end, a high walled oil company compound stands, with all the amenities one would find in the West.

Some Italian oil workers were kidnapped near here, last year. Residents say they do not approve of kidnapping, but say it's driven by poverty.

"It all boils down to under-development of the Niger Delta," said one local butcher.

"If you look at it they are unemployed, but they can see that this region produces the oil which makes the country rich, while they don't have anything. So if you address this thing, I think the kidnapping problem will be OK."

It's pretty much undeniable that the more general malaise in the Delta is down to poverty and unemployment, largely the consequence of decades of government corruption and neglect.

But other parts of Nigeria are poor, too.

It's just that in the Delta - where there's places to hide, plenty of ex-pats, political collusion, and an easily applicable cause - kidnapping for ransom has become a safe, booming business.

Two of the hostages currently being held remain unaccounted for, but there has been one small item of good news - one of the hostages kidnapped from Brass, a Lebanese, was released after 10 weeks and 6 days in captivity.

Anyone who really thinks that adequate measures can be taken to minimise his exposure to risk is living in a dream world!

[chuks]

I was grimly amused once, a long time ago now (1985), when my Nigerian co-pilot was expressing enthusiasm for 'IBB,' General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the military strong man who was going to sort out political corruption, put Nigeria back on the straight and narrow and restore democracy, all at the point of a gun. This young man didn't seem to see the paradox in a man who had just overthrown an elected president (well, 'elected' in the same way that 'democracy' in Africa relates to democracy as it is generally known) discovering a great enthusiasm for what he had just destroyed.

We all know how that one worked out. For anyone who hasn't been paying attention, IBB ended up insanely rich, lots of people who opposed him ended up dead, and instead of democracy his legacy was misrule by a thuggish, homicidal dwarf in Michael Jackson signature model Ray-Bans, General Sani Abacha.

IBB had a sort of benign image, always shown with an expression of firm resolve or dull amiability in his press photos, where Abacha always looked as if he ate babies for breakfast. The corpses were piling up at an alarming rate as Abacha prepared to become yet another African 'President for Life.' We were seeing these distinctly odd posters from YEAA (Youths Earnestly Asking Abacha... to become President for Life) when the whole farce was abruptly terminated by his death.

Here and now, some crowd of gun thugs calling themselves MEND are expected to improve the situation in the Niger Delta? Nigerians, ever enterprising have obviously decided to cut out the political middlemen and get their money directly from the oil companies!
My guess is that, bad as things are, they shall go further down before any significant improvement comes. I always did have a gloomy and cynical cast of mind, though. On the other hand, pretty much everything I thought would happen did happen so that betting on things getting better any time soon might not be the way to go.

A really big problem is that the oil majors operate to straight capitalist logic, when they ignore local conditions to the maximum extent possible in the pursuit of returns for their stockholders. It is often so that the black stuff is under real estate owned and run by rather nasty characters who don't even pretend to care about the poor peasants who are forced to live on it.
Shell, for example, is not in the business of providing primary health care, clean water, schooling, infrastructure, etc., etc. Hey, a big chunk of what they earn already goes to the Nigerian government, who are expected to look after their citizens in that way! The politicians are sequestered in Abuja, though, and 'Shell' is on the ground in the Delta. That can come down to the individual expatriate who is now going to carry the can for this long chain of ignorance and misrule. All I can say is, 'Better you than me.'

Two books worth reading for some deep background are 'Heart of Darkness' and 'Things Fall Apart.' 'Soza Boy' and the recent 'Half a Yellow Sun' are both interesting glimpses of some of what went on during the Biafra War. Think of these as a sort of expanded checklist, if you like!

[SASless]

Sounds to me like the shares of Shell are heading south....price of petrol is going north and Non-Shell Expats are grist to the mill.

[MamaPut]

anjo,

Are you sure your information is up to date? I know the families aren't coming back as yet, but I thought other expat workers were now being allowed back after today.

The latest information is that the Lebanese man who was kidnapped escaped after guards holding them were bribed with more than $1 million by Bayelsa State officials acting for AGIP. MEND are said to be very angry about this, have threatened other reprisals against AGIP and the State government and said that they will now definitely not release the remaining 2 Italians they're holding before May.

noooby,

Glad you're enjoying your time here. I think you didn't get what NEO was saying. A security consultant who just comes and spends a few days with you on Areta, isn't living with you, just visiting before heaving a sigh of relief and returning to the safety of Intels. Many security consultants in PH seem to prefer living in the Intels camp, Shell, or just visiting from Lagos. Wonder why that is? NEO's also right about the owner not affording the safety that used to be the case as social barriers here are changing. The thugs, murderers and terrorists that we categorise as 'militants' these days have no respect for the old values or the old ways. This was really apparent a few weeks ago when 13 traditional chiefs were murdered near Ekulama. (no, not near Ekulema, the location of the new CHC camp). Personally, I think anywhere in Port Harcourt can have only the illusion of safety, but unless they want to make a point, the militants would be more likely usually to go for soft targets. Most terrorists would attack a soft skinned vehicle rather than a tank, unless they want to demonstrate their capability to destroy a tank. I still believe that maintaining a low profile has merits - you can't normally attack that which you don't know about. The trouble with that is that if you inadvertently come to the attention of the bad guys, you're probably going to get screwed.

NEO,

You make a good point about transport being the weak point and I can see why you'd be concerned. However, I can't imagine most of the pilots I know being prepared to live in Portakabins at the NAF Base until this all blows over. It would be nice if all the oil companies offered accommodation temporarily vacated by the families they've sent home, but that would be impractical given the number of expat contractors working for them. As has been said by other contributors about other things, why don't the likes of Bristow and CHC team up to purchase a decent sized site in a good location and go in for joint security, rather than wasting money on wasteful duplication of security resources? They may be in commercial competition, but they have a joint, vested interest in the security of their staff.

[anjouan]

Italians Advised To Leave The Niger Delta

MP,

Yes, it seems some of the information I saw was a bit out of date and that some Shell workers were due to return today. to celebrate this the Niger Delta continues its violent slide into almost total anarchy. Today in Port Harcourt another expatriate worker (Lebanese) was shot dead and his companion injured in an ambush on the road to the airport. Two Italians were kidnapped and the Italian foreign ministry has now advised all Italians working in the Niger Delta to evacuate the area.

It would be easy for those just living in supposedly-secure compounds, travelling to work in armed convoys and seeing nothing of what's going on to think that the place is no more dangerous than it ever was, but that would be a mistake. The danger you can't see is far worse than that which you know about. A lot was made of the fact that after a Red Alert was declared, there was no sign of more troops in and around Port Harcourt, but this was because they were deployed out into the riverine areas and the creeks as evidenced by many new fortifications around swamp helipads, with sangars and bunkers having been constructed and some fairly serious automatic weapons now being out there.

One problem is that the President is too busy using the government instutions to coerce his party's opponents in the forthcoming elections. Things are now getting so bad in this respect that the chairman of the influential United Senate Committee on the Nigerian Election, Sen. Ross Finegold, has threatened to withdraw its "financial, moral and material support" for the April elections.

[SASless]

Oh Dear Me! The illustrious Ross Finegold in a snit? Now they have dunnit!

[Miragepilote]

And "brave" Jeff thought the Niger Delta swamps were dangerous...

CNN newsman mugged in Jo'burg
24/02/2007 14:51 - (South Africa)
Johannesburg - A journalist from the international television news service, CNN, and his wife were robbed at gunpoint outside the network's offices in Auckland Park in Johannesburg early on Saturday, said CNN.
CNN spokesperson Susanna Flood said from London that CNN Africa correspondent Jeff Koinange and his wife were robbed by four armed young men who took personal items and television equipment from them. Neither was physically harmed.
"CNN's first concern is for the safety of Jeff and his wife and additional security measures have been put in place," said Flood. She said the incident was being investigated by police and CNN. Koinange was not working on an assignment when the robbery took place.

And poor Jeff thought the Niger Delta was dangerous....
I laugh in his face!!
He's seen nothing yet...hehehehe

[unstable load]

So if he was not on assignment what was he doing with TV equipment on him? As a lifelong resident in SA you learn to minimise the signals you put out regarding your worth so that you don't (hopefully) become a target.

Flaunt it and lose it. Seems there are a few parrallels with the Niger delta in good old Joburg! Sorry-oh, Jeff.

[Tokunbo]

Lockdown Nigeria

As can be seen from many of the threads here, life for most expat pilots in Nigeria now is just one of a lockdown in a secure camp, escorted journey to work and little more. The only compensation for this is the extra allowances paid for coming to this country, which used to be a place where there could at least be some life outside the work environment. Now the fear of being kidnapped hangs over the heads of many expats, like a sword of Damocles, and the only life outside work is that which may be available in their compounds. Some are lucky enough to live in well-equipped compounds with good sporting facilities, bars, good internet and some kind of central messing facility so they don't have to worry about the hazards of going out to shop and the hassle of cooking after a long day at work. Others just live in secure apartment blocks with few facilities other than their rooms. Internet access is becoming an absolute necessity as one of the few ways of keeping in touch with reality. It's also a useful security tool as one can check on websites such as Reuters, AFP and, for most of us out here, Oyibosonline, where we can find out what's really happening (though many companies frown on this - possibly because they don't want us to know what's really happening here ).

Here's one expat's account of how he finds life in Warri (formerly known as the wild, wild, West, but now relatively quite compared to Port Harcourt):

We go to work with a military escort. We come back here with a military escort. It's like being in an open prison," said a British worker in this southern Nigerian oil town.

With violent attacks on oil targets on the rise in Nigeria, expatriate workers throughout the country's south are being told both by their embassies and their employers to adhere to stringent security rules.

In Warri, a former slave-trading post in Delta state, such measures have been in place for the past several years.

"Warri changed in 2004. After the troubles, local people, especially those working for themselves, left the town and relocated. The troubles affected the lifestyle of people here drastically," said a South African who has been working in the Niger Delta for the past several years.

No one interviewed in Warri with any corporate connection would accept to be named or identified in any way.

The "troubles" refer to fighting between the town's three main ethnic groups, the Ijaw, the Urhobo and the Itsekiri, either over land ownership, or simply for dominance.

It was during the troubles that companies evacuated expatriate dependants.

Many of the men here have been working abroad for decades elsewhere in Africa, in the Middle East or further afield.

Some are married to local women but all have "single status" employment contracts.

"There are Lebanese here with their families but no other foreigners", says a local colleague, adding that even he does not want his family in "this troubled place." He prefers them to remain living in Benin City, an hour's drive away.

"We drink because that's all there is to do," said the British worker, surveying the table piled high with empty beer bottles and cans.

His older neighbour is already aimably drunk, slurring the same question for the sixth time.

Two delapidated ceiling fans go lazily round, covered in a thick coat of grime. Black ants with a vicious bite drop from the bamboo ceiling.

The other bar that the men have access to is known as the "Slaughterhouse," in reference to the nights when prostitutes are allowed in.

The men work for several weeks then get leave. The various patterns are "14-four," 14 weeks on followed by four weeks leave, "10-three" or "six-six."

Warri is a nondescript but bustling town with an active port, sprawling markets and metalworking and joiners shops bordering the road.

Once you get to the outskirts of town the tropical swamps and the creeks that are home to the region's armed gangs become visible.

When the talk finally turns from the quantity of alcohol consumed the previous evening, the general consensus is that the security situation in the town has been worse.

And indeed an expatriate without corporate security restrictions can wander through the town unaccompanied without incident.

"When the companies left for Port Harcourt the troubles and the thugs followed them" observed a Scottish man in the group.

Port Harcourt, some 200 kilometres (124 miles) southeast of Warri, is currently Nigeria's oil capital with the highest concentration of company headquarters and expatriate workers.

However the recent spate of kidnappings and a couple of car bomb attacks have meant that most expatriate dependants have now either been evacuated from that town or have chosen to leave.

Since the start of this year alone, 57 foreigners have been seized, nearly as many as in the whole of 2006. Most of them have been released, including 24 Filipino hostages freed earlier this month. The kidnappers are a mixture of separatist groups and criminal gangs, linked by a series of loose and often-changing alliances.

"One can understand the companies' paranoia, but everything is being done to ensure security of lives and property for all," State Government spokesman Sheddy Ozoene told AFP.

[MamaPut]

What Different Governments Advise on Travel to Nigeria

For those still working in the Niger Delta of Nigeria and those still undecided about whether to go, here's what a number of governments advise their nationals. We all know that sometimes they're a bit out of touch and out of date, but it should make all of us remaining here aware that in the event of problems, consular assistance may be limited:

Australia - Advice:
Riverine area in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (also Bonny Island), Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States in the south-east
Do not travel
Bakassi Peninsula and Ekiti State
Do not travel

New Zealand - Advice:
We advise against all travel to the Bakassi Peninsula as well as the riverine areas in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa.

United Kingdom - Advice:
We advise against all travel to the riverine areas of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. Riverine areas are generally regarded as being those accessible only by boat. This is because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
We advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State and the rest of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt, because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. On 18 December 2006, two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip’s headquarters. On 23 January 2007 a British and a US national were taken hostage while driving to work in Port Harcourt.
There is a high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta. In nine separate incidents since January 2006, 22 British nationals have kidnapped. One Briton has been killed. Since that time over 150 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
If you decide to travel to, or remain in, these areas you do so at your own risk. The level of consular assistance we can provide in these areas is limited. If your presence is essential, it would be reckless to travel to, or remain in, these areas unless you have taken appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it.

Canada - Advice:
Against all travel into affected areas and for Canadian nationals to consider leaving.

USA - Advice:
American citizens should depart from and defer non-essential travel to Delta, Bayesa, and Rivers states.

Italy - Advice:
All Italian nationals should leave the country.