REBEL FACTION TO END CEASEFIRE

A faction of the main rebel group in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta says it will end its ceasefire on Tuesday. The faction of The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) is believed to be led by Henry Okah. But the faction's stance looks increasingly isolated, with other Mend leaders distancing themselves from Okah. Mend declared its 60-day truce in July. The group has in the past attacked the oil industry and the Nigerian military. The rebels have been fighting to drive the army out of certain areas of the Niger Delta and allow displaced people to return to their homes. The Nigerian government has recently announced an amnesty for armed gangs fighting the military and attacking the oil industry. Some militant leaders are co-operating, saying they want to return to civilian life.