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June 26, 2009

Nigeria Offers Amnesty to Niger Delta Militants
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The Nigerian government says it’s offered amnesty to militants fighting
in the oil-rich Niger Delta. Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua made the
announcement on Thursday.

Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua: “I hereby grant amnesty and
unconditional pardon to all persons who have directly or indirectly
participated in the commission of offenses associated with militant
activities in the Niger Delta.”

Nigeria says the militants will have until October 4th to accept the
amnesty offer. The Niger Delta’s main militant group, MEND, has
criticized the amnesty effort because it says it’s been excluded from
the talks.



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