In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a dusk to dawn curfew was imposed on Friday after a violent clash between security forces and gang members left dozens dead. According to a senior military official, the fighting ceased when three boatloads of fighters on the Port Harcout waterways were attacked by a Nigerian helicopter gunship.
Furthermore, top gang lord, Sobomo George, is rumored to have died in the fighting, as he was believed to be in a building that burnt down. Nevertheless, there are contrary reports that top military officials have spoken to George after the clash by telephone. Neither account has been officially verfied.
The curfew imposed will last one week and then it will be reevaluated by government officials. Although there has not been any further reports of security threats or fighting in the Niger Delta, Nigerian troops have entered the hard hit area of Port Harcout.
According to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Luka Yusuf, the troops may be deployed in the region for over six months. Yusuf stated that if the governor, acting as chief security officer, “feels that the security situation has improved he will ask for the pulling out of the solders to the barracks.” Concerns that face long deployment are the challenges of training, equipment and mainting welfare of the troops.
For more information, please see:
AllAfrica – Nigeria: PH – Troops May Remain Beyond 6 Months – 21 August 2007
AllAfrica – Curfew Imposed in Rivers – 18 August 2007
CNN – Curfew in Niger Delta After Deadly Battles – 17 August 2007
