LAGOS, Nigeria, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The Nigerian military says there was no alleged failed rescue attempt of British hostages being held by Niger Delta rebels.

While violence is likely to persist next year in the oil-rich Niger Delta, Africa's largest energy producer capped 2008 with the capture of a leading member of the country's most notorious militant group.

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 26 (UPI) -- Eight oil workers were kidnapped Saturday in a brazen assault on a petroleum tanker in Nigeria, a military official said.

Nigerian security officials said they discovered a complex oil-stealing scheme involving a secret oil pipeline through a militant camp and onto a private jetty.