Hostages released

Nigeria's Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced on 10 November 2008 that it has released a Ukrainian and three Nigerian hostages whom the group kidnapped from an oil supply ship in early September 2008. MEND has stated that it will continue to hold the two Britons who were abducted in the same incident until the British government agrees to stop funding and providing resources to the Nigerian armed forces. In a separate statement, the militant group added that it would also hold the Britons until the Nigerian government releases Henry Okah -- one of the group's most prominent leaders -- who is currently on trial in Jos for gun-running, treason and terrorism. Meanwhile, MEND also threatened a new "oil war" on 10 November if the Nigerian armed forces carry out attacks on the group's hideouts. MEND stated that it believes the military is planning to attack its camps in Delta and Bayelsa states; the military, however, has denied the accusations, stating that MEND is only attempting to increase tension between the forces. In September 2008, MEND carried out a six-day offensive in the Niger Delta, which forced Royal Dutch Shell to declare force majeure. The group later declared a ceasefire, but continues to warn the authorities that it will resume its actions if Nigeria's armed forces provoke it into doing so.