ARMED ROBBERY OF A DIPLOMATIC COMPOUND IN CLOSE

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.