Rebel group threatens attacks

A powerful Nigerian armed group threatened to resume attacks on oil facilities and abductions of foreigners, ending a four-month cease fire.

The threat to disrupt oil supplies from Africa’s top producer follows the arrest of a factional leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Henry Okah, in Angola on arms trafficking charges on Sept. 3.

“With effect from 12 midnight today, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, we will commence attacks on installations and abduction of expatriates,” the group said in a statement e-mailed to the media.

Since last year, dozens of troops, militants and civilians have been killed, thousands of foreign workers have left and oil output from the world’s eighth-largest exporter has been cut by a fifth, affecting world prices.