Nigeria has sent troop reinforcements to the city of Warri in the north of the oil-rich Niger delta. At least ten people have been killed in the last few days in clashes between the army and militant youths from the Ijaw tribe. Warri airport has closed because of the violence.

The Anglo-Dutch oil company Shell has decided to close down two pumping stations and evacuate their personnel. One of the company's helicopters was shot at during the evacuation.

President Olusegun Obasanjo has called an emergency meeting of political and military leaders. This is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have rocked Nigeria in the period leading up to the general elections, which are scheduled to be held in one month.

Radio Netherlands 19 March 2003
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