UPDATE 1-Chevron oil pipeline attacked in Nigeria - sources

ABUJA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - A Nigerian crude oil pipeline, operated by U.S. oil major Chevron (CVX.N), was attacked by unknown gunmen in the Niger Delta early Friday, security sources said.

"The Chevron Makaraba crude pipeline located in Delta state was attacked early today by some unknown persons," one security source said.

A second security source said the pipeline was shutdown for repairs. Chevron officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The pipeline has been vulnerable to attack in the past, most recently by militants linked to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) in June 2009.

Violence in the oil-rich Niger Delta has subsided for the past few months after thousands of gunmen handed over their weapons and accepted President Umaru Yar'Adua's amnesty offer. (Reporting by Randy Fabi; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0826052520100108?type=marketsNews

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