NIGERIA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ON USE OF PEPPER

S E C R E T ABUJA 001520 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W BOOTH AND AF/RA BITTRICK E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/28/2011 TAGS: PREL MASS MARR NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ON USE OF PEPPER SPRAY DURING 3SFG DEPLOYMENT REF: A. VAIHINGEN 041449Z MAY 01 ¶B. CJCS 262110Z MAY 01 ¶C. MARTSCHENKO TO ANDREWS EMAIL 16 MAY 01 (AND PREVIOUS) ¶D. ANDREWS TO BOOTH EMAIL 21 MAY 01 (U) Classified by Ambassador Howard F. Jeter for reasons 1.5 (d). ¶1. (U) Post responded to Ref C request for concurrence on use of pepper spray with Ref D (email). However, this cable is being sent to establish a front-channel record response to Ref C. ¶2. (S) Ambassador Jeter concurs in equipping OFR trainers with pepper spray while in Nigeria for OFR P3, as requested in Ref A and Ref C, provided that the following conditions are met: A) Written rules for employment of the pepper spray must be explicit and as restrictive as feasible, and the Ambassador will receive a copy, B) The Ambassador must be informed immediately if pepper spray is employed (with no delay beyond absolute operational necessity). If he is not present, then the senior Embassy Officer present must be so informed, C) OFR trainers receive a situational awareness/security briefing from the Lagos or Abuja RSO at the earliest feasible time prior to their deployment; and, D) Copies of written SOPs for avoiding conflict situations will be provided to the Ambassador. Trainers will receive reminders on these SOPs to the extent that unit commanders feel necessary to ensure full compliance. ¶3. (U) Post appreciates the understanding from EUCOM, Joint Staff and 3SFG of Post's concerns and efforts to ensure the security of trainers and Mission personnel during this important exercise. Regards. Jeter