7 arrested for supplying explosives to militants

Nigeria has arrested seven suspects for
allegedly supplying high-calibre explosives
and detonators to militants wreaking havoc
on key pipelines and facilities.
National Security Adviser Major-General
Mohammed Monguno said on Thursday the
explosives were diverted from an
explosives-distribution company in the
Niger delta to the rebels.
"A detailed audit of the records of explosives
magazines and quarries in that region was
conducted, which revealed the diversion of
about 9,000 kg of high explosives and
16,420 pieces of detonators for illegal use,"
he said.
"The actors, including the storeman of a
major explosives distribution company in
Nigeria, an accomplice and five security
operatives, have been arrested and handed
over to the appropriate authorities," he said.
Monguno said an inquiry has been
launched.
"Right now, investigations are being
conducted and I can assure you that they
are deeply culpable and necessary action will
be taken on the conclusion of these
investigations," he said.
He said any company implicated in the illegal
diversion will be sanctioned.
"Any individual or company that operates
outside the confines of legitimacy or legality
will have itself to blame, and we want to add
that the government of the day will not
listen to... any company that decides to
sabotage national security."
Nigeria has been plagued with devastating
attacks by militant group the Niger Delta
Avengers (NDA) since the start of the year.
Oil majors like Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Eni and
state-run Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation have been targeted.
The attacks have slashed output at a time
when Nigeria is struggling with low global
crude prices which have hammered
government revenues, weakening the naira
currency and pushing up inflation to 16.5
percent, an 11-year high.
The rebels want oil majors to leave the Niger
delta, blaming them for contributing to
widespread poverty and under-development
of the region.
They also seek self-determination for the oil-
producing states in the delta.
The Avengers, who have spurned a
government truce, are believed to have
sympathies for Government Ekpemupolo,
alias Tompolo, a fugitive former militant
leader wanted for corruption charges.