DELTA SITREP #5

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 001113 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS GPERSON AND CGAY STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/18/2016 TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PTER CASC NI SUBJECT: DELTA SITREP #5 Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reasons 1.4 (D & E) ¶1. (C) Progress, thus far, has been slow. Rivers Governor Odili said his negotiating team, actually headed by the River State Director of the SSS, had made additional contact with the kidnappers since yesterday. Odili stated they had a better idea of the kidnappersQ, identity and the whereabouts of the hostages. However, he did not divulge the kidnappersQ, identity to us. While the kidnappers claimed the hostages were in good health, they have yet provided definitive proof of life. He expressed optimism that the episode will be resolved soon. (Comment: OdiliQ,s line about a swift resolution has become the standard reply of GON officials to our inquiries. Although he expressed confidence in a quick end to the crisis, he did not sound confident. End Comment.) ¶2. (C) Legatt has established contact with the Rivers State SSS Director. Legatt and TDY agents are planning to meet the SSS Director as soon as the meeting can be arranged. German and Dutch officials will also be invited to this meeting. -------------- Consular -------------- ¶3. (C) According to his wife, Amcit Royce Anthony Parfait has hypertension and takes daily medication. We have alerted Governor Odili, himself a physician by profession, to this fact. Security contractors will work with the SSS to facilitate the passage of medical supplies to the hostages for delivery tomorrow. Edison Chouste confirmed that they are in possession of ParfaitQ,s passport. -------------- Communication Remains Open -------------- ¶4. (C) The companies are gathering proof of life questions to provide to the SSS. The security contractor team will ask the SSS to deliver letters from the hostagesQ, families. The team is also refining the rescue/release plan. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) Very little information about the negotiations has been forthcoming from Rivers State officials to date. We continue to press for proof of life and delivery of medicines and family letters to the hostages. BROWNE