Activists expressed concern that the escalating cost of Shell's security operation in the [Niger] delta was further destabilising the oil rich region and helping to fuel rampant corruption and criminality [including human rights abuses by soldiers and police]...The financial documents…suggest Shell's worldwide security costs almost doubled between 2007-2009, coinciding with the rise of armed insurgency in the Niger delta..."Protecting our people and our assets is Shell's highest priority," said Shell International..."In the period that this report refers to, the armed militancy in the Niger delta was at its height, requiring a relatively high level of security spending there...All our staff and contractors are expected to adhere to the highest levels of personal and corporate ethics, as set out in our code of conduct. We support the Voluntary principles on security and human rights..., and we recognise that these principles help maintain the safety and security of our operations in a manner consistent with upholding human rights."