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