ROBBERY OF LOCAL RESIDENCE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY

UNCLAS ABUJA 001622

SIPDIS


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


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC NI
SUBJECT: ROBBERY OF LOCAL RESIDENCE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
EMBASSY HOUSING COMPOUNDS.



1. (U) On Sunday, July 8, 2001 at approximately 2000
hours a local residence belonging to a private Nigerian
citizen was the victim of a home invasion type robbery.
The residence is located adjacent (across a street) from
one 2-unit Embassy housing compound, and two doors down the
street from another 3-unit Embassy housing compound.



2. (U) The owner of the residence arrived home to find
personal belongings scattered on the floor throughout the
residence. Further search of the compound by the owner
uncovered two acquaintances and a security guard had been
locked up in the domestic quarters located at the rear of
the compound. The two acquaintances and security guard
reported a group of five male individuals armed with four
locally made pistols had forced their way into the compound
while the gate was opened to allow a vehicle out. The
robbers forced all persons in the residence into the
domestic quarters, locking them in one of the rooms.
During the course of the robbery, the robbers severed the
residence telephone lines. The robbers stole electronic
items, jewelry and money (NFI),before fleeing the
compound.



3. (U) The local guards posted at the adjacent Embassy
residential compound, reported the robbers headed across
the street towards their location. The Embassy guards,
aware of the incident, had already secured their gate and
radioed the Local Guard Force Mobile Patrol vehicle for
assistance. Upon seeing the Embassy local guard force
mobile patrol vehicle arriving on scene, the robbers
changed direction and fled into the nearby bush
(undeveloped land).



4. (U) Local police sources advise they have apprehended
the robbers based on information provided to them by a
confidential source at the robbers' residence outside of

SIPDIS
town. Police investigation revealed the robbers' get-away
vehicle was parked on a 4-lane divided highway located a
short distance from the residences through the bush. The
police apprehended a gang of nine robbers, who have a
history of committing violent home invasion robberies and
car-jackings.



5. (U) The RSO commended the Embassy local guard force
for a job well done, their keen observation and quick
action surely prevented an Embassy residential compound
from being targeted by the robbers. All members of the
Embassy local guard force were reminded of the importance
of being vigilant while on duty, and instructed regarding
the proper procedures for addressing a criminal threat.



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


Jeter