The Nigerian government says it’s offered amnesty to militants fighting in the oil-rich Niger Delta. Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua made the announcement on Thursday.

Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua: “I hereby grant amnesty and unconditional pardon to all persons who have directly or indirectly participated in the commission of offenses associated with militant activities in the Niger Delta.”

Nigeria says the militants will have until October 4th to accept the amnesty offer. The Niger Delta’s main militant group, MEND, has criticized the amnesty effort because it says it’s been excluded from the talks.