( AFP ) - A prominent armed group in the Niger Delta known for kidnapping foreign oil workers has called a one-day ceasefire for Christmas, a statement from the group's spokesman said Saturday.
"On December 25, 2007, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) will observe a 24-hour ceasefire in the spirit of Christmas. Cessation of hostilities and kidnapping of oil expatriates can be guaranteed during this time frame," an Internet message signed by MEND spokesman Jomo Gbomo said.
Gbomo has been in prison in Angola since September. Nigerian security sources who asked not to be identified have said Gbomo was arrested by the Angolan authorities whilst negotiating an arms deal.
Abuja has officially asked for his extradition.
The last attack claimed by MEND occurred in October, when a navy officer was killed and four other naval personnel were injured in an overnight attack on a vessel protecting a Shell oilfield off southern Nigeria.
MEND, which became known early last year, has claimed responsibility for several kidnapping incidents -- some of them daring and involving attacks on deepwater installations -- as well as for attacks on oil company property.
The group has always said that, contrary to the mere criminal gangs operating alongside it, MEND is working to improve the lot of the people of the Delta.
Daily production in Nigeria, the world's eighth-largest oil exporter, fell by a quarter in 2006 and 2007 to 2.1 million barrels per day, according to the latest estimates, due to instability and violence.
In 2007, more than 200 foreign workers were taken hostage, often being released after a ransom was paid.
