BELLVIEW CRASH SITE SECURITY

UNCLAS ABUJA 002071 SIPDIS DOT PLEASE PASS TO FAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR CASC ASEC AMGT NI BELLVIEW SUBJECT: BELLVIEW CRASH SITE SECURITY ¶1. 1.(SBU) Following reports On October 25 by ConGen Consular Reaction Team and others of concerns that security at the crash site was limited and that heavy equipment had been brought into to start excavation of the crash site crater before the arrival of U.S. investigators, Abuja Mission members contacted GON officials. The Ambassador spoke to the National Security Advisor and the Minister of Civil Aviation, Econ, and DAO staff spoke to the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Ministry personnel, and the RSO spoke to the Inspector General of Police. ¶2. (SBU) All officials declared the site was cordoned off and promised to beef up security. They did say groups of relatives and local villagers were being allowed some access to the site, probably under escort. The Minister of Aviation said the military as well as police were guarding the site. All contacts said no excavation of the crater would begin until after U.S investigators arrived. The FAAN Managing Director Shittu said they planned to take them to the site the morning of Thursday October 27. All contacts said the earthmoving equipment at the site was to grade/improve the road providing access to the site. ¶3. (SBU) A readout from a meeting with Bellview Airline officials will be reported septel. CAMPBELL