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Nigeria's largest militant group announced a unilateral ceasefire on Sunday following a week of conflict with the military and attacks on oil installations which have restricted oil output in Africa's top producer.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had made the decision after an appeal by elders but advised it would restart its campaign if security forces carried out further attacks. It also warned that other groups allied with it may not comply with the ceasefire.
MEND initiated attacks against pipelines, flow stations and other oil and gas systems last Sunday in response to what it claimed were ground and air strikes on one of its bases by the military. According to Nigerian government officials oil production has fallen by 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) over the past week, and the country's current output is estimated at 1.95 million bpd.
At least six attacks in as many days have been executed by the militant group over the past week, its strongest campaign for years against the world's eighth largest oil exporter.
Royal Dutch Shell which has been hardest hit by the hostility, declared a force majeure on shipments of Bonny Light, a type of crude oil, effective from Friday. Force majeure is a clause used by contractors when they cannot meet their obligations due to events beyond their control.
MEND has previously declared ceasefires but later recommenced attacks, alleging provocation by the security forces or by the government for their actions.
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