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