Security sweep in Nigeria's Delta

By Anna Borzello
BBC, Lagos

Soldiers have been tasked with defeating the armed gangs

A major security crackdown has been launched in Nigeria's troubled oil-producing Delta region.

State governor James Iboru has warned communities living in the swamps and creeks that they may be displaced.

He said the security sweep was aimed at combating "the unabated activities of sea pirates, oil-smugglers, kidnappers and armed robbers".

It comes less than two weeks after the president said state governors would be held responsible for public order.

President Olusegun Obasanjo issued the warning as he declared emergency rule in the central Plateau State.

Violence-wracked state

Delta State, in the south, produces the bulk of Nigeria's crude oil, but it is also one of the most conflict-prone regions in the country. Groups of armed men patrol the waterways, stealing oil and then using the proceeds to buy weapons which fuel inter-ethnic conflict.

The violence has disrupted oil production and made much of the state a no-go area.

In April, two Americans working for the oil giant, Chevron-Texaco, were among seven people killed while on an inspection tour of facilities closed during fighting last August.

Governor Ibori warned that innocent people would be displaced in the operation, but promised that his government would do all it could to ensure they were promptly resettled.

He also warned that anyone found aiding criminals - including top military personnel and government officials - would be brought to justice.