ExxonMobil evacuates staff from Nigeria oil terminal

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2006

LAGOS (AFP) — The US energy giant ExxonMobil has evacuated non-essential staff from Nigeria's largest oil export terminal amid fears it could be attacked by armed militants.

ExxonMobil's Qua Iboe facility in southeastern Nigeria handles exports of 650,000 barrels per day, although the firm's Nigerian spokesman Yemi Fakayejo told AFP that output had not yet been hit by the latest scare.

"We have evacuated non-essential workers from the Qua Iboe export terminal following an intelligence report that Niger Delta militants were planning an attack on oil facilities and personnel," he said Tuesday.

"This is a precautionary step... There is no disruption in oil production and exports. Production is up and running and offshore and essential staff are at the export...