Leading Nigeria oil rebel disarms

The last prominent militant in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta region has given up his weapons after agreeing to a government amnesty deal. Government Tompolo, who heads the main rebel faction in the western Delta, disarmed in return for promises of cash and education for his fighters.

On Saturday, two other commanders from the eastern Delta laid down weapons. The amnesty is part of government efforts to end years of rebel attacks on the Nigerian oil industry. Militants there have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Nigeria's oil infrastructure, as well as kidnappings for ransom.

Mr Tompolo is considered one of the most important rebels figures in the oil-rich Delta. The rebel leader accepted President Umaru Yar'Adua's amnesty deal on Saturday, 24 hours before the offer expired.