Okoro Field Attacked Offshore Nigeria

Afren reported that it experienced a security breach on its Okoro field offshore Nigeria.  The High Island VII jackup rig, which recently arrived on location, was preparing to commence infill drilling when an attack occurred.


The company said that two crew members were injured and later treated after being evacuated by helicopter to a shore‐based clinic. It is believed that five crew members have been taken hostage.


A second security breach occurred at the AT 101 support vessel. Together with Afren’s indigenous partner AMNI International, the company is working with the relevant authorities, and the vessel and rig are both under the control of the company.


Drilling operations on the rig are temporarily suspended. An update will be provided in due course the company said.


The attack on Afren’s operations coincides with a release from Nigeria’s main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), that it would be resuming attacks on installations in Nigeria.