Hommam Al Nassim 
Nigeria’s military says 16 soldiers have been killed in clashes in oil-rich areas in the south of the country, after being surrounded by a group of youths last week.
The Nigerian army statement said members of the army tried to control the clashes that erupted in the oil-producing Delta state, where a group of youths surrounded and exchanged fire with them.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusao, a spokesman for the Nigerian military, said members of the 181st Amphibious Battalion were killed last Thursday while trying to control the conflict in the Okuma region.
The support team led by the battalion commander was also attacked, killing him along with three other officers and 12 soldiers, Gosão said.
The military spokesman noted that the defense minister ordered an immediate investigation and the arrest of all those involved after the successful arrest of some individuals.
Delta state has seen frequent clashes, some of them bloody, over land disputes or claims for compensation for the oil spill caused by companies.
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