MEND Launches Attacks in Nigeria's Capital

Nigerian militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for several explosions in the nation's capital on Oct. 1. The three blasts, timed to coincide with Nigeria's independence celebrations, left eight dead. The circumstances of the attacks, coupled with the absence of an "oil war" declaration, indicate that this is not likely to be the start of a new wave of militant attacks. Rather, it is a reminder to Nigeria's political elite ahead of the 2011 presidential elections that MEND can create problems within and beyond the Niger Delta.