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