Oil Governance in the Niger Delta: Exploring the role of the Militias

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is one of the world's major oil producing regions; and as such, it is central to the economic stability of the country. To a large proportion of the last decade, the region has been plagued by conflict in which a range of militia groups have played a significant role. More so, discussion of militancy has tended to be viewed from a conflict theory perspective, which by and large, has not engaged the perceptions of militants. In addition, very little is known on the micro-interactions/subjective meanings of lived experience of militias, which together trigger collective action in the region. Thus, this research takes a sociological view to provide a better understanding of the role and significance of militancy. Specifically, it attempts to describe and interpret the subjective meanings, ideologies, and organisational structures which inform militia action, and, uniquely, to do so through direct engagement with militants themselves.