In a worrying development, at least two people have been killed in a clash between the Nigerian navy and the militant organization, MEND.  It occurred near an offshore oilfield operated by the Shell oil company.

Militant groups had been observing a five-month ceasefire on attacks against the oil industry to allow for peace talks with the government. However the ceasefire has now broken down.

Just hours after the latest hostages were freed by militants, the BBC reports how gunmen in the Niger Delta took to the water again. At night, their speedboats came across a Nigerian naval patrol assigned to protect an oilfield operated by the Shell oil company. A fight ensued and at least two people have been killed and three others were injured.