Experts: Growing piracy across West Africa takes root in oil-slicked creeks of Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria – Experts say that the growing piracy off the coast of West Africa takes root in the oil-slicked creeks of Nigeria's southern delta.

Speaking Saturday at a conference on piracy, the experts say the majority of the attacks happening across the Gulf of Guinea mostly happen along Nigeria's coast. The experts say those committing the acts likely come from the militant groups of the Niger Delta.

Freedom Onuoha, a research fellow at Nigeria's Center for Strategic Research and Studies, said those militants have the knowledge of the oil industry that makes it possible for them to hijack oil tankers and steal their cargo. He also said it appeared "state actors" had a role in the thefts as well.