Militants storm US-operated oil platform in Nigeria

More than 100 armed militants stormed a United States-operated oil platform in Nigeria, the world's eighth largest exporter, in response to the arrest of a militia leader.

Armed fighters in speed boats invaded the Idama platform operated by Chevron in the southern Niger Delta, and a judge ordered Mujahid Dokubo-Asari to be held in jail for two weeks pending treason charges.

Only 8400 barrels a day were shut down at Idama, but industry officials said the impact could rise dramatically if attacks spread.

Commanders of Asari's Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force threatened to blow up oil facilities across the delta, which accounts for almost all of Nigeria's 2.4 million barrels a day, unless their leader was released.

Militants loyal to Asari burned tyres in the streets of the delta's largest city, Port Harcourt, and blocked a major road artery.

Royal Dutch Shell withdrew about 50 non-essential staff from three oil and gas facilities, an industry source said, but its 950,000 barrels a day of oil output was unaffected.

Asari campaigns for self-determination of his Ijaw tribe. The Government has called him an oil thief and gangster.

- Reuters