ABUJA, Nigeria, July 29 (UPI) -- A coalition representing Nigerian militants called on U.K.-based oil producer Afren to abandon its operations in the Niger Delta region or face attacks.
The Joint Revolutionary Council, which considers itself an umbrella organization of Nigerian militant groups, called on Afren to abandon its activities by Friday or face attacks on its personnel and infrastructure, the Platts news service reports.
Afren was co-founded by Nigerian Petroleum Minister Rilwanu Lukman. Lukman came under criticism from residents and leaders in the Niger Delta for his proposal to build a petroleum university in his northern home state of Kaduna.
"Rilwanu Lukman is an ungrateful man," the militant statement read. "Afren Energy Resources must leave the Niger Delta immediately."
Militants with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta 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.
MEND, however, declared a cease-fire July 15 following a government amnesty effort.
