25 kidnapped in Nigerian oil dispute

Twenty-five people have been kidnapped and another five have been killed in a massive raid on a convoy of oil barges in Nigeria.

About 70 armed men in speed boats staged the raid.

Five soldiers who were riding in military patrol boats protecting the convoy were killed.

Twenty-five Nigerian employees of Royal Dutch Shell were kidnapped and their whereabouts is unknown.

An organisation representing three militant groups claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded the release of militant leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.

Local militants want more oil wealth directed at local communities.

The Niger Delta has been relatively quiet in the last few weeks after a spate of attacks in August in which 18 people were abducted.

All but one were released alive.