A further 106 ex-militants in Nigeria's Ondo State have been selected for a ten-day training programme being conducted as part of an amnesty agreement signed last year.

The Nigerian Tribune reports that 200 ex-militants have already completed the training course, with 600 scheduled to be selected in total.

Rotmi Olamide, the state coordinator for the amnesty programme, said that the inaugural group were trained in various self-reliance skills and vocational skills designed to bring stability and prosperity to the region.

Nigerian rebels downed their weapons in October last year after an extensive campaign of violence and sabotage directed at foreign-owned oil infrastructure in the country.

Mr Olamide said a number of militants would be offered oil and gas training to allow them to benefit from the country's vast oil and gas wealth.

As part of the country's landmark Local Content Act, foreign oil companies will also be required to meet strict criteria ensuring that local people have prioritised access to jobs and training.

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