NIGERIA: HOSTAGE-TAKING, SITREP # 31

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000431 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS AND SRENENDER COMMERCE FOR KBURRESS STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION FOR MARAD STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ STATE FOR DS/IP/AF, AF/EX, DS/IP/OPO, DS/ICI/PII, DS/DSS/ITA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/22/2016 TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PTER CASC NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: HOSTAGE-TAKING, SITREP # 31 REF: LAGOS 427 Classified By: Acting Political/Economic Chief Shannon Ross for reasons 1.4 (D/E). -------------- Hostage Welfare Update -------------- ¶1. (C) There have been no additional reports on the hostages' wellbeing. -------------- Hostage Negotiations -------------- ¶2. (C) NGO lead Judy Asuni claims her sources in contact with the hostage-takers said the hostages will be released in 24 to 36 hours. Other Warri sources report one hostage (Cody Oswalt) will be released soon. (Comment: There is no evidence to corroborate either claim. End comment.) ¶3. (C) FEST members and Conoff attended a public solidarity meeting in Warri. The Federal Ministers of Petroleum, Police Affairs, Science and Technology, Transport, and Defense attended along with Delta State Governor Ibori and Delta State Commissioners. The Federal Minister of Defense is Itsekiri; the other four federal ministers are Ijaw. The group expressed their common interest in achieving a peaceful and productive Niger Delta. Governor Ibori remarked about the high level of international attention on the area, President Obasanjo's consternation with the ongoing situation, and the negotiating team's continued displeasure with the international press and the confusion caused by their sometimes inaccurate reporting. -------------- Energy Update -------------- ¶4. (C) There were no significant energy developments. -------------- Military Update -------------- ¶5. (C) There were no significant military developments. -------------- Media Update -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Numerous dailies reported British High Commissioner Gozney's statement calling for the hostages' release and commitment to participate in efforts to improve conditions in the Niger Delta. The Punch reported the Ijaw militants holding the hostages rejected the latest pleas for their release and threatened more attacks. -------------- Consular Update -------------- ¶7. (C) There have been no reports of additional attacks on AmCits. One mission Conoff and one FEST member are in Warri monitoring negotiations and prepared to assist with repatriation. The UK also has a consular officer in Warri to monitor negotiations and assist with repatriation. The head of Shell Security is on standby for repatriation assistance. HOWE