"The navy is directly involved now," said Captain Sinefi Hungiapuko.

"We are trying to make sure things are settled peacefully. The navy is in the area. Our men will move to take control of the rigs," he said.

Asked what the navy would do if the strikers resisted the navy's attempt to take control of the platforms, Hungiapuko asked simply: "What action would you expect military men to take?"

He said that the operation would take place "immediately".

More than 100 Nigerian strikers have been blocking access to four US-owned oil platforms since April 19, trapping 97 British, US and European expatriate workers on board.

According to e-mails sent by the trapped workers the strikers have vowed to resist any attempt to retake the rigs by force, and are holding out to demand payment of a benefits package by rig owner Transocean Inc.

SPACE.WIRE