Residents: Oil militants attack Lagos suburb, battle police

LAGOS, Nigeria – Residents say a boatload of armed oil militants attacked an outlying suburb of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, looting and firing into the air as people fled.

They said police and soldiers responded, using drones to track the attackers while a helicopter hovered overhead. A gunbattle ensued.

The official News Agency of Nigeria quoted police Superintendent Dolapo Badmos as saying gunmen invaded the Igando neighbourhood but police “swiftly moved in and foiled the attack.”

Residents said at least two police officers were wounded. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

It was the second such attack this month in Lagos.

Militants have threatened to attack Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to press demands for a greater share of wealth for residents of the oil-producing south suffering oil pollution.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.