ARMED ROBBERY AT HOUSING COMPOUND ADJACENT TO

UNCLAS ABUJA 001164 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, DS/DSS/CC, DS/IP/OPO AND DS/IP/AF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER NI CRIME SUBJECT: ARMED ROBBERY AT HOUSING COMPOUND ADJACENT TO EMBASSY HOUSING COMPOUNDS ¶1. SUMMARY: On June 26, 2005 at about 0300 hours, a private apartment was robbed by ten robbers. The residence is located adjacent to two of the Embassy Housing Compounds. End Summary. ¶2. DETAILS: On June 26, 2005 at about 0300 hours, a private residence located next to Malibu and Newport Housing Compounds was robbed by approximately ten robbers. Further investigation revealed that the robbers gained access into the residence by entering another adjacent compound that is still under conduction and unoccupied. According to eyewitnesses, the robbers broke into one of the containers at the construction site and removed a shovel, knife, and iron bar and used these items to attack the security guard and housekeeper of the building in question. The robbers then used a ladder that was on site and climbed over the fence to the compound. The robbers tied up the Security Guard and locked him up inside the security guard room. The Security Guard was asleep at the time of the incident. The robbers then proceeded into the servant's quarters, beat up the housekeeper and demanded the key to the main building. According to the housekeeper, the robbers gained access into the main building and took three GSM cell phones, various articles of clothing, shoes and approximately six thousand naira ($45 USD) from the housekeeper. The owner of the building is currently in London. ¶3. During the incident, Malibu Compound guards were alerted by the Security Guard at the construction site. The Malibu Guards alerted the Embassy and requested assistance. Two Embassy REACT vehicles responded to the scene. Upon arrival it was discovered that the robbers had fled the scene. ¶4. The investigation is ongoing. ¶5. A/RSO briefed the local guard force as well as assigned police officers to remain vigilant and awake. A/RSO Abuja advises there have been no reports of pre- operational surveillance conducted on the apartment in question. Based on the information received the incident appears to be a crime of opportunity. ¶6. A/RSO Abuja will report any future developments via SEPTEL. CAMPBELL