DELTA SITREP #6

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LAGOS 001120

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 #6


Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reasons 1.4 (D
& E)



1. (C) Rivers Governor Odili and other GON officials continue
to voice optimism the hostages will be released soon. The
latest forecast is for a dawn release tomorrow, August 22.
(Comment: We would be unduly credulous if we accepted this
forecast as gospel. Previously, Odili predicted the hostages
would be released on Saturday, then Sunday. Thus, we do not put
great weight in the time frame given. However, Odili and the
GON officials seen more optimistic then they were a few days
ago. End Comment.)


2. (C) The Director of the SSS in Rivers State continues to
head the negotiations with the kidnappers. The SSS also
continues to state the kidnappersQ demands are solely monetary.
The security consultants of the affected companies have crafted
proof of life (POL) questions to pass to the kidnappers.
However, the SSS has been reticent to relay these questions,
asserting their objective was to achieve a quick release.
Evidently, the SSS believes transmitting the questions and other
material such as letters from the families would be establishing
a relationship with the hostage takers that could encourage
temporizing. (Comment: Apart from the SSS description of the
hostage takersQ demands as completely pecuniary we have no other
information about the demands. The takers have not issued any
public statements. The reluctance of the SSS to utilize the POL
questions is disappointing. The private security companies will
make another attempt to confer with SSS about the utility of
establishing proof of life. End Comment.)

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Military Cordon and Search Operation
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3. (C) Nigerian military personnel conducted a cordon and
search operation in a high-crime area of Port Harcourt on August

18. The area is a haven of gang members and Ijaw militants, who
are often one and the same. The military sweep resulted in
approximately 100 arrests. It was originally reported by
contacts in Port Harcourt that German hostage, Julius Berger
employee Guido Schiffaiph, was freed during this operation.
However, Mr. SchiffaiphQs release was not linked to the
operation. Mr. Schiffaiph was released that evening but was
voluntarily turned over by his captors to Rivers State
Government personnel. He was never held in Port Harcourt but
was at a location a 2-3 hour boat trip away from the city. His
release was facilitated by Senator David Brigidi of Bayelsa
State. (Note: Brigidi has significant access and influence
within Ijaw youth groups in Bayelsa State. Apparently his
influence also extends into Port Harcourt. End Note.)


4. (C) The military launched its August 18 operation reportedly
because of suspected weapons caches in the area. Governor Odili
stated this operation was taken to improve urban security and to
signal to gangs and militants that they would no longer be
allowed to ply their trade in Port Harcourt with impunity. He
intimated that further operations were in store. We stressed
the importance of taking no action endangering the hostages.
Ijaw activist Oronto Douglas told us rumors were spreading
through the Ijaw community in Port Harcourt that authorities had
mistreated some of the arrestees. (Comment: The need to improve
security in Port Harcourt is beyond obvious. However, the timing
of this military sweep is questionable as it could make the
kidnappers even more reluctant to free their captives
particularly should rumors spread that those arrested have been
mistreated. End Comment.)


5. (U) There is an increased law enforcement presence and more
checkpoints in Port Harcourt. However, no curfew has been
imposed.


LAGOS 00001120 002 OF 002


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Bayelsa Fire Fight
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6. (C) Secretary of State Government for Bayelsa, Dr. Godknows
Igali, informed us of an unfortunate fire fight that occurred
last night. A community group had pressured some local youths
to release a Nigerian national employed by Shell who they had
held for several days. On the way to handing over the hostage,
the convoy happened upon a military patrol. Several people were
killed in the ensuing firefight, according to Igali. This will
further complicate government negotiations with militant groups,
he lamented. (Note: This was the first information that a shell
employee was taken hostage. End Note.)

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CONSULAR
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7. (C) Looking toward the hostagesQ eventual release, the
companies and security contractors are working closely with the
diplomatic missions to pre-arrange the logistics for returning
the hostages to Lagos and then out of Nigeria for repatriation.
Edison Chouste plans to return Amcit Royce Anthony to
Chattanooga, Tennessee, upon his release.
BROWNE