Gangs, political gangs, and government in Nigeria
This BBC report offers tantalizing hints about the functioning of government and politics in Nigeria's south south.Gun battles in Nigeria oil city
"Heavy fighting between armed gangs and the military has been reported in Nigeria's oil city of Port Harcourt...
"It follows clashes that raged last week between powerful rival armed gangs that left at least 15 people dead.
"The gangs run criminal rackets and also have links to militant groups based in the creeks of the Niger Delta...
"For most of last week rival gangs fought pitched battles around the city leaving many dead, mostly bystanders.
"The authorities say it is a turf war.
"The gangs that run criminal rackets are large in size and have plenty of weapons.
"The BBC's Alex Last in Lagos says there is also a suspicion that others may have an interest in the fighting.
"Most of the armed gangs had close links to politicians who employed them to help rig elections.
"Gangs, money and politics have long been a dangerous combination in the Niger Delta, he says.
"In the aftermath of April's polls, he says it seems all sides are trying to exert their control, whether it be the gangs, the politicians or the security forces directed by the new government."
See also:
- Tackling Nigeria's violent oil swamps
- Safe In Port Harcourt
- Cult War in Port Harcourt
- Nigerian security forces attack camp of gang believed involved in oil-region strife
Labels: corruption, Nigeria
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:03 AM
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