Four days after militants seized a Nigerian oil delivery facility, the Nigerian military reportedly attacked and killed a dozen gunmen while freeing nine hostages. The flowstation is operated by Eni, an Italian company.

Early reports indicated that as many as 28 civilians were held in the facility. Two are known to have been killed, and one Nigerian soldier was reportedly killed in the counter-attack.

Nigeria remains troubled by attacks on its oil production facilities, resulting in an estimated 25% reduction in output, and is currently enduring a general strike blamed on the increase in fuel cost or the lowering of government subsidies for fuel. Additionally, union leaders are demanding a reversal of the 10% value added tax recently proposed.