Cablegate: Armed Robbery of a Diplomatic Compound in Close

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ABUJA 001966

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR: DS/DSS, DS/OP/AF AND AF/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC NI
SUBJECT: ARMED ROBBERY OF A DIPLOMATIC COMPOUND IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO EMBASSY RESIDENTIAL COMPOUND.

1. (U) On Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at approximately 2030
hours armed robbers attacked a residential compound
belonging to the Embassy of Sudan. This compound is in
close proximity to the official residence of the Inspector
General of the Nigeria Police Force, and two residential
locations belonging to the U.S. Embassy.

2. (U) Police reports state approximately 15 robbers
armed with locally made pistols entered the compound
through the front gate (the gate was open), and took the
one guard on duty hostage. The robbers forced their way
into the residence, and proceeded to rob the occupant, a
Sudanese diplomat. During the course of the robbery, one
of the robbers struck the Sudanese diplomat on the head
with a pistol. The Sudanese diplomat suffered a minor cut
as result of the assault. The robbers fled the compound,
after stealing 100 USD, some small items of jewelry and
95,000 Naira local currency (approximately 850 USD).

3. (U) After leaving the Sudanese Embassy residential
compound, the robbers proceeded directly to another
residence in the same area belonging to a Nigerian citizen.
The robbers forced their way into this compound, and stole
a Honda Prelude sedan.

4. (U) Security at both the Sudanese Embassy and the
private Nigerian residential compounds was poor. Guards at
these two compounds are not professionally trained, and
they often leave gates open. The RSO has briefed all
Mission Security Force personnel regarding this incident,
stressing the importance of keeping compound gates secured
at all times. Mobile patrol supervisors and surveillance
detection personnel were reminded to be alert for any
unusual activities and suspicious persons in the vicinity
of Embassy locations.

5. Direct any questions regarding this matter to Michael
E. Bishop, RSO, U.S. Embassy, Abuja at 234-9-523-0960.

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