Nigerian threat to Afren Energy lifted

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 31 (UPI) -- An umbrella group representing Nigerian militants withdrew a threat to U.K.-based oil producer Afren to abandon its operations in the Niger Delta.

The Joint Revolutionary Council called on Afren to abandon its activities by Friday or face attacks on its personnel and infrastructure.

The JRC said its threat to Afren was based on complaints lodged against Nigerian Petroleum Minister Rilwanu Lukman, who co-founded the British energy giant.

Cynthia White, a JRC leader, said the ultimatum was lifted as it was revealed Lukman was no longer involved in the company, Nigerian daily newspaper Businessday reports.

Credit Suisse, in a company update on Afren, said the threat amounted to nothing more than political "noise," adding it strengthened the indigenous credentials for the energy giant.

JRC representatives said its relationship with Afren was "strengthened by its strategic alliance" with local companies working in the Niger Delta interest.

JRC represents the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta and other guerrillas demanding a stake in the regional oil wealth.

MEND launched a series of attacks on oil facilities operated by Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell in recent weeks, declaring war on the national oil sector. It called a cease-fire July 15 following a government amnesty effort.