The general leading Nigeria's fight against rebels in the oil producing Niger Delta has been replaced.
Removing Brigadier General Elias Zamani had been one of the demands of the militant group still holding three foreign oil workers hostage.
However, an army spokesman said the general's redeployment was "routine".
The militants want a greater share of the region's oil wealth for local Ijaw people. Their attacks have led to a 20% drop in Nigeria's oil exports.
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The militants say they are pleased Gen Zamani is going.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) had accused Gen Zamani of escalating the crisis by using helicopter gunships to attack barges used to smuggle stolen oil near one of their strongholds.
"We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose." - President Eisenhower, First Inaugural Address
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Nigeria: General reassigned -sop to rebels?
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