Oil company Shell has shut three pumping stations in Nigeria after a major pipeline was sabotaged. The stations have been closed to prevent further oil leakage.

Nigeria's main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), says that it is 'not directly responsible' for the sabotage. According to the MEND, the attack was carried out by groups supported by them and is directly linked to their termination of a three month-old ceasefire on Saturday. 

The MEND acquired notoriety in the past for its numerous attacks on gas and oil installations and the kidnapping of foreigners. The movement says that it is fighting for a fairer division of the proceeds of oil extraction.
 

Photo: Nigerian pipeline (flickr / Danny McL)