As job losses also stoke tension, major oil companies operating in Nigeria have reportedly asked security agencies to tighten surveillance as violent anti-police brutality protests and the expected sacking of hundreds of workers worsen desperation in the country.

Quoting industry sources, Reuters noted that already unemployment in the country is above 40%, and observers say further job losses could aggravate problems of pipeline tapping, illegal oil refining and pirate attacks.

Three sources close to the companies, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the majors had asked for tougher surveillance, and non-government organisations said crime was a risk, as there may be break down of law and order.

“It’s going to increase the desperation in the region, which leads to criminality,” said Ken Henshaw, executive director at Port Harcourt-based NGO, We The People.

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Source: OrientEnergyReview