Nigeria's largest militant group ends "Xmas ceasefire"

Lagos, Nigeria - Nigeria's largest militant group ended its 24-hour Christmas ceasefire on Wednesday with a denial of its involvement in Tuesday's attack that killed three policemen in Rivers state in the oil producing Niger Delta region.

In a statement e-mailed to journalists on Wednesday, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had informed its commanders on the field of the end of the unilateral ceasefire.

Commenting on the attack on a police station that left three policemen dead on Christmas day, MEND Spokesman Jomo Gbomo said the Movement was not involved because its members were "men and women of integrity" who would not break their pledge.

Describing the attack as "an isolated case", MEND said, however, that it would launch its own spectacular attack at the right time.

Attacks and kidnappings in the oil region have been on the rise in recent times, as the security situation in the oil region worsens.

Last Friday, President Umaru Yar'Adua called a meeting of top security chiefs to deliberate on ways to stem the violence and abductions.

Attacks on oil facilities and abduction of oil workers, spearheaded by MEND since early 2006, have reduced Nigeria's oil production and forced several oil companies in the region to take extra precautions while carrying out their activities.