http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L22476568.htmPORT HARCOURT, Nigeria, Sept 22 (Reuters) - More than 100 armed militants stormed a U.S.-operated oil production platform in Nigeria and forced it to close on Thursday in response to the arrest of an ethnic militia leader on treason charges. Armed with assault rifles, the fighters stormed the Idama plant operated by Chevron <CVX.N> in the southern Niger Delta, escalating a simmering political crisis in the world's eighth largest oil exporter.
"Eight boats, each carrying 15 armed people occupied the Idama flow station. Six government security forces had their weapons taken from them," a source close to Chevron said, adding that an unknown volume of production was shut down.
"Apparently the militants are now heading for more stations. The situation can only get worse."
Militants loyal to Mujahid Dokubo-Asari burned tyres in the streets of the delta's largest city, Port Harcourt, and blocked a major road artery. Police shot in the air to disperse them.
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