With over 5,000 troops stationed in the oil rich Niger river delta area, the battles with the local criminal gangs continues. There are also tribal conflicts between the Urhobos, Itsekiris and Ijaws. The rising price of oil has made the gangs wealthier, better armed and bolder in their oil stealing operations. The gangs use their speedboats and automatic weapons to terrorize other tribes. Drive by shootings, and occasional raids, make everyone nervous.
American army and navy forces will be holding joint training exercises in the Niger delta area. No dates have been set.