Movement for the “Emancipation of the Niger Delta” (MEND) Constitutes a Threat to the U.S. National Security

Since the discovery and commencement of oil production in 1956 in the Niger Delta, the region has worsened in terms of security, poverty, and environmental pollution. The “Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)” is among the insurgent groups that continue to cause havoc in the region. The Delta Niger area is infested with corruption, economic inequalities, lack of opportunities, political repression, nepotism, and so on. All these problems must be addressed equitably and promptly. If these issues are not resolved, they may cause security instability as well as insurgency. The insurgency in Niger Delta is a menace to Nigeria’s national and the stability of W. Africa and the U.S. interest. The paper brings out the history of the group, threat analysis, and recommendations on actions to be taken to mitigate the prospect of an attack.