NIGERIA: RIOT CONTROL EQUIPMENT PRESENTATION

UNCLAS ABUJA 000873

SIPDIS


FOR AF/W AND INL/AAE - E.FLOOD


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM SNAR PGOV KDEM PREL NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: RIOT CONTROL EQUIPMENT PRESENTATION



1. During an April 8 turnover ceremony, Ambassador
Jeter presented the Inspector General of Police (IGP),
Tafa Balogun, with riot control and other equipment
valued at more than $300,000. The donation, part of
the ICITAP Civil Disorder Police Reform Training
Program, included helmets, shields, batons, handcuffs
and other items. Jeter commended the participants and
others involved in making the training possible and
challenged the NPF to make Nigeria proud by utilizing
the training they received in a professional,
responsible and non-partisan manner during the
elections.



2. (SBU) The IGP thanked the Ambassador and the
American Government for the contribution and for being
an active training partner of the NPF. He applauded
the excellent relationship between the U.S. and
Nigeria and remarked that the best way for the NPF to
reciprocate was to demonstrate their professionalism.
The IGP remarked that he was a believer in the "train
the trainer" concept as he himself had been a
recipient and later a trainer for six years of his
career.



3. (SBU) The IGP's comments indicate that Balogun may
have become a committed convert to the benefits of
bilateral cooperation on law enforcement. When he
ascended to his current position last year, Balogun
was not an enthusiastic supporter of our police
training efforts. However, Balogun now appears to
have made a welcomed about face. In his remarks
Balogun reiterated his eight-point strategy for law
enforcement that included training as a major element
and assured the Ambassador of his continued
cooperation. The IGP also expressed his gratitude to
the LAPD for the donation of the protective vests made
possible through the efforts of Los Angeles Police
Capt Patrick Findley adding this was "just the
beginning" of the level of cooperation expected
between the U.S. and Nigeria.


JETER