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LAGOS, Nigeria—Gunmen kidnapped five workers and wounded two others operating a newly installed offshore oil rig in Nigeria's restive southern delta, oil firm officials said Monday.
In a statement, London-based Afren PLC said the attackers also targeted a support ship near the new oil rig off the coast of Nigeria's Akwa Ibom state in the Niger Delta. The company said the two workers suffered "wounds to the leg" in the attack and have been flown out by helicopter to receive medical equipment.
"We are working with the relevant authorities and the vessel and rig are both under the control of the company," Afren said. "Drilling operations on the rig are temporarily suspended. An update will be provided in due course."
It is unknown if the employees were locals or foreigners working with Afren, which explores eight oil plays in Nigeria with local partner companies. Officials with Nigeria's security services couldn't be immediately reached for comment Monday.
Militants in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta began a campaign of kidnapping and pipeline bombings in 2006, upset over pollution and the region's endemic poverty despite 50 years of oil production. Violence in the region dropped after a government-sponsored amnesty program last year offered militants the promise of job training and cash payouts. However, some have become disillusioned and others remain armed in the delta's winding creeks.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for Monday's attack.
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