NIGERIA: HOSTAGE-TAKING, SITREP #2

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000753 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: 06/02/2016 TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PTER CASC NI HOSTAGES SUBJECT: NIGERIA: HOSTAGE-TAKING, SITREP #2 Classified By: Consul General Brian L. Browne for Reason 1.4 (D and E). ¶1. (C) The Hostages: The eight hostages were allowed to contact their families last night (June 2) using AmCit Texas Richards' satellite phone. All remain in good health, and have not been subjected to any mistreatment. Food, toiletries, a satellite phone battery and charger, and some medicines - one of the hostages is hypertensive - were dispatched for delivery to the hostages. Evans expected another call from Richards some time today. ¶2. (C) Negotiations Ongoing: Bayelsa State Secretary Dr. Godknows Igali and Senator Brigadi, who represents the central part of the state in the national senate, are in negotiations with spokesmen of the hostage-takers. The talks are taking place in Yenagoa. Igali and other sources confirm the negotiations are addressing two areas - conditions for the release of the eight hostages, and a longer term memorandum of understanding between Peak and the local community regarding local employment and community development. It appears a ransom payment by the Bayelsa government will be made in order to obtain the hostages' release. The parties are still negotiating on the longer term agreement. Igali said progress was being made and was hopeful that the hostage release would be imminent. ¶3. (C) Expats Still On Rig: Approximately fourteen expatriate workers, designated by Dolphin, remain aboard the rig. We have advised the company that a second incident cannot be discounted and they should make adequate preparations should another kidnapping be attempted. Three vessels are patrolling the area around the rig, including one 100-foot ocean-going vessel capable of approximately 30 knots, available to evacuate the remaining personnel should suspicious vessels come into radar range. ¶4. (C) The companies are finalizing repatriation plans. ConGen Lagos personnel will coordinate repatriation and consular support for Mr. Richards upon release. ConGen Lagos remains in contact with federal and state government contacts as well as relevant military and law enforcement personnel. BROWNE